As public health students, I think we hold similar views about the passage of health care reform. We're pleased that such historic legislation made it through the House - and while we're taking this class, too. We're curious as to what health care reform will actually do. We're surprised by the ugliness of the political process. Baby killer? Really?
The passage of health care reform holds exciting implications for future access to health care, as well as for public health initiatives (funding for community health centers!). But whether there are improvements in the delivery of care remains to be seen. Cost-efficiency remains to be seen. Nonetheless, this passage proves change is possible - even change of such magnitude.
I'm interested in public opinion. It seems that people outside of the public health and health policy fields are unaware of what Sunday's passage means, and are a mixture of pleased, confused, and concerned. President Obama's approval rating is apparently the lowest its ever been. I'm also interested in the future politics that will arise as a passage of this reform. Will campaigns get ugly as Republicans scorn Obama and the Democrats for pushing health care reform through the House with a miniscule margin?
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I have the same sentiments as Aparna, and pretty much the rest of the class, with regards to the passing of health care reform. Although the moment was historic, it seemed to be overshadowed by the politics of the process. The bill does represent change, but what's written on paper has yet to be played out in the years to come. Some change will be swift but I can foresee that most of the important changes that need to be made to make reform work will be still a struggle.
ReplyDeleteI think it's interesting as people who I know talk about the passage of health reform. Virtually everyone I know has health insurance, although some are within the individual market. Everyone who I know who also has insurance is not entirely pleased with the reform. To them, they just see more taxes looming in order to help those they feel should work harder to help themselves. Most people I know are from backgrounds where they are 1st or 2nd generation immigrants and feel they've worked hard to get where they are. To have to give up more of what they've worked for seems unfair. It reminded me of the discussions that had come up in lecture the past couple of weeks on nation's solidarity and willingness to sacrifice, charity, etc. So as happy as I am about reform, it's tinged with some sadness to know that many are having to come to terms with what they feel is an infringement on their rights.