EVERETT — The goal was simple: address concerns about health care changes in a civil environment.
“You all probably have heard in the press that there were other town hall meetings where people didn’t get to talk that much,” said state Rep. Eileen Cody, D-Seattle.
With that in mind, about 50 people gathered to discuss the merits of the health care system and proposed reforms with two state legislators on Monday night.
Cody and state Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, led the forum at a Snohomish County administration building meeting room. The forum was largely free of the outbursts that have attracted attention at the national level.
Both lawmakers noted they would not vote on the bills being discussed; that task falls to Congress. Instead, the legislators emphasized the role the state will play if a bill passes.
“We’re going to be where the rubber meets the road,” said Keiser, chairwoman of the Senate Health and Long-Term Care Committee.
Some questions from the crowd illustrated the breadth of opinion on health care. For instance, one person voiced her support for the creation of a public option, a government-run health care plan to cover the uninsured.
“Both Sen. Keiser and I do believe there should be a public option,” agreed Cody, chairwoman of the House Health Care and Wellness Committee.
Another question, however, expressed fear that people would be forced off their private plans and into the public option.
“It’s an option,” Keiser said. “It’s not mandatory to anybody.”
Others at the forum shared personal stories. Janet Foley, a Snohomish small businesswoman, said she took out a year-long health care policy, but saw her premiums rise after a few months.
“All I’m asking is when they offer an individual a policy, they keep that individual’s policy premium the same for a 12-month period,” Foley said.
The legislators said they hope to see reform pass that doesn’t lessen existing coverage.
“We do want to make sure it’s meaningful reforms that pass,” Cody said.
Locals will get another chance to discuss health care at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, when U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Wash., is scheduled to host a forum at Edmonds-Woodway High School, 7600 212th St. SW, Edmonds.
Inslee may draw a larger crowd than the state legislators since he has been involved in health care negotiations at the national level.
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455; arathbun@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
