Sachem's Take on the New Health Care Bill

The Health Care Reform Bill passed this week, leaving many with questions and concerns.

Many are unsure about the clause in the bill that is requiring people to purchase health care or face a fine. "I have health insurance," one Sachem resident said, "so this doesn't apply to me."

Positives include the notion that fewer less-insured Americans should lead to lower cost health care, and that insurance companies will no longer be able to refuse coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

So how is this bill affecting Sachem, and what are our community members thinking?  While many people were reluctant to share their views at first, others simply did not know enough about the bill to comment:

"Unfortunately, it's going to take about 10 years until we see how this is going to play out.  I do oppose this bill, though, and question its constitutionality." - John, Holbrook, mid-50's

"I think there is some good and some bad to this.  I'm going to have to look at it more in depth but I do have some strong political views and I'll tell you – the Republicans are a hazard." - Beth, Lake Grove, 60's

"The health reform is necessary, but I don't support this particular bill.  I could possibly [support the bill] if they were to work on it more." - Joe Maritato, Lake Ronkonkoma, late 40's

"For me it's great. I'm in college and still have health coverage through my parents. And now I'll have it until I'm 26." - Cassandra, Holbrook, 20

"When someone without insurance goes into a hospital now, we pay because they have to be treated and it is covered through our tax dollars regardless. Also, illegal immigrants will not be allowed to buy health insurance in the exchanges - even if they pay completely with their own money. People need to educate themselves about what's going on." - Mike Armstrong, Holtsville, 22

The following people were interviewed in Lake Grove, where they were shopping at Costco: 

"I think it's going to be fair for this country – its okay for me, I have insurance. I am concerned – if they get Medicare under control it could work out". – Sandra Oerter, Northport

"One of the states had limits on what lawyers could make on big malpractice suits.  This law has been lifted with this bill. This is going to create more lawsuits… if you research it, the caps were a success. As time goes on, people are going to be less happy about this bill – as details come out. Also, the size of the bill concerns me." - Brian Oerter, Northport

"The Parts of it I hate – it's too complex for your average citizen. According to a few polls, like 67 percent of American's are against it. If [people] get sick, they pay the fine (for not having it) and still get insurance." – Christine Dunn, Smithtown 

"It's a wonderful idea – I am concerned with its effect on Medicare. "I'm very fortune to have excellent coverage." – Ed Kelleher, Nesconset

"I am paying over $500 a month for lousy insurance." Friedman is a disabled educator and hopes this new bill will help people like her. They way they handled Social Security – is a disgrace – in the media they said the cost could be twelve million – it ended up costing over hundred million." - Ann Friedman, Mt. Sinai

"I think it's too early to tell, I don't know how it's going to affect me yet. All I know is this is no different than when they made everyone has car insurance." – Trisha Hamblet

"I have to pay more out of pocket than I used to for my insurance. I can tell you first hand when it comes to Medicare there is rampant fraud. However I'm optimistic about this health care bill, I'm sure it will help people. I trust Obama; he's on the right track." – Alan Steinberg, Stony Brook

"I think it's a good idea – we have our own insurance through work." – Maureen Stolarski, Nesconset