Michele - thank you for this VIDEO and speaking out to women. I think we need more insights and resources to understand the access points. We all know how critical it is for our families. But how to figure out the options and places to go for help is hard? Can you help?

I'd like to know how pre-existing conditions will be handled, especially in children!

I'd like to know how reform will help with the problem of pre-existing conditions.

Thank you for this video! So far, much of the debate and discussion has focused on getting coverage to those who can't afford health care otherwise. What about those who have insurance, but the coverage is inadequate or the out-of-pocket expenses are so high it bankrupts the consumer? What is being discussed about reforming the way insurance companies do business?

Thank you Mrs. Obama - my question for you is what realistically will we be able to expect as a change within one year? How do we incent doctors to give us the best care.....

j

Thank you iVillage for helping to promote the important perspective about healthcare of our president and his wife!

Thank You Ms Obama for taking a stand. We want our families to be protected and we need advocates. Please make it clear what woman can do to help? What are the outlets. Your personal stories make it clear you understand.

Why aren't the house and senate discussing the option for anyone to purchase the public option and why is it going to take 5 years to implyment? If this health care plan was going to affect house and senate members it would be implymented tomorrow. So why cann't it be expediated to start by January 1, 2011.

If this plan is delayed 5 years it is going to have a negative affect in 2010 and 2012 elections because people will not see any affect that we as democrates have done.

I would like to know when will the democrats take charge of the health care debate and stop giving the rude-publicans so much clout did'nt we just vote them to the bottom of the pecking order?????

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month why can't we have a day set aside for women and children to march for Health care Reform? It could be organized and headed up by the First Lady. Maybe those politicians in Washington would then get it, especially if their mothers, wives and daughters were marching. Women want good affordable health care for ourselves and our children. We have alot of power we are not using.

Dear first lady Mrs.MICHELLE OBAMA
I AM FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM BECAUSE I HAVE TWO YOUNG ASTHMATIC SONS I PAY A PREMIMUM EVERY MONTH FOR THEIR HEALTH CARE THEIR DAD STEPHAN ANDRE MCCLAIN 5814 REFUSES TO WORK HE HAS A ORDER OF CHILD SUPPORT I AM A DISABLED VETERAN
EVERYONE DESERVES PROPER HEALTH CARE
I THINK WITH THE REFORM I MAY PAY LESS SINCE THEIR FATHER DOES NOT PAY ANY SUPPORT AT ALL. MR PRESIDENT YOUR HUSBAND WAS ON DAVID LETTERMAN LAST NIGHT.I WISH HIM TO ACKNOWLEDGE SENATOR REED JACK OF THE TINIEST STATE WHO GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR MY CHILD'S HEALTH CARE PLAN. I BELIEVE IN YOUR HUSBAND PLAN OF HEALTH REFORM ALL THE NAMES THE SILLY MEDIA CALLS HIM SHOULD REALIZE SOME OF US DID PAY INTO TAXES AND SOME MANY NOT BUT THE CONSTITUTION STATES ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL WHY ARE THE RICH FIGHTING TO STOP HEALTHCARE REFORM.
I DO NOT GET PROPER HEALTH CARE BECAAUSE I AM A DISABLED AMERICAN WOMAN VETERAN THE VA PROVIDENCE JUST DISMISSSSES MY CHRONIC BACK PAIN I AM TIRED OF FIGHTING TO BE HEARD.
WITH HEALTHCARE REFORM I WOULD BE HEARD.
SINCERELY
JOY
10YEARS MILITARY SERVICE AND 8 YEARS FEDERAL SERVICE.

Thank you Michelle!

The fact that our country is so rich, in so many ways, and yet such a high % of our population (esp. children and older people) suffer from a lack of basic health care is a disgrace. I appreciate you helping to put a real-world point of view on this "debate".

Christopher Reeve said: "So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable." This is how I think about health care, for everyone, in America.

While the issues of access and affordability are covered in reform, the major issue that affects everyone is affordable sustainability--the fact that while we can all afford coverage, where is the reform in keeping that coverage affordable? At this present time, healthcare reform is not covering issues of the problems with underwriting. People still have risks of losing their coverage due to minor errors on a form, medical chart, disagreement with a doctor's diagnosis or misdiagnosis, assumed preexisting illnesses and for women, the fact that infertility coverage is not guaranteed across 50 states only 4--why? Because insurance companies state that going through infertility procedures are by CHOICE. However, what they fail to admit is the cause of infertility is NOT A CHOICE. Endometriosis, fibroids, unexplained infertility, and the gamut of clear, cut and proven medical diagnosises are not a choice. However, a man in all 50 states can get Viagra covered. Why? The issues of sustainable, non-sexist coverage are not being addressed and fixed. Why?

No question - we NEED insurance REFORM. We do NOT need government run anything; our government cannot run anything efficiently or effectively, or they would being doing so right now. Why isn't our government keeping its campaign promises right now? Unity, biapartisanship, transparency, no labor & union... Prove integrity and we (the people) might listen.

With so many families out there that are struggling with this present health care condition, specially single mothers that do not receive any sort of help from their partners, there is indeed a need for this reform, and this plan should be promoted in any kind of way so people out there can be informed.

tax the rich and ceo and pres of ceo not low income person put big tax on the rich people

I agree Michelle ... I'm Canadian and our Health System is not good at all ... I am 45 yrs old and I don't have a family doctor ...
Thank You So Much For Having A Voice For US !!!!

Thank you, Michelle.

It is hard to understand people who react negatively to a well presented case about something so critical to so many of us.

Nothing seems to make sense to me about what happens when I need a doctor: e.g., I can't go while I'm working, but I don't have coverage when I'm not working.
OR the auto insurance companies have such a grip on the doctors that I can't get treatment unless I pay in full with cash up front - even when the other auto company already accepted liability.
OR I and my coworkers are intimidated out of workman's comp coverage because these insurance companies put the employer in dire straits if a claim is filed, (We workers don't actually seek being maimed or blacklisted, you know.) because accidents shouldn't happen - but the actuality is the worker must 'not get caught' doing the job anyway.
OR if you are alive, you can be determined to have a pre-existing condition like heredity, etc.

Please don't let this continue this way. I have already lost two of my loved ones because of this insanity.

I SOOO agree with 'Laura K' regarding men being able to get insurance covereage for Viagra in all 50 States while women can't get infertility treatment coverage in all but 4! This is so unfair! There is so much discrimination against women in all areas of medicine!

Michelle, I want to offer my deep appreciation for making this video. You have my thanks and my respect.

Thank you, Michelle, for speaking out on this. So many of these decisions are made by the women in the family for their families. How do we think about this issue for our elderly relatives? I help my parents considerably. My father is approaching Medicare age, but my mother still has a few years to go before she is eligible. She is a small business owner and a breast cancer survivor. She was covered under my father, but when he becomes eligible for Medicare, she will not be able to get AFFORDABLE insurance because of her pre-existing condition. Any insurance plan willing to take her has annual premiums of over $25K! How will the new reform plan help her in the next few years?

Mrs. Obama,

Thank you for your concerns regarding medical care for the people. In watching your video, I have a couple questions:

What will be considered affordable insurance coverage and how will that be determined?

What about Seniors on Medicare. We hear rumors that Medicare will be cut. If this is the case then the statement of "every family to get peace of mind" coverage, is not true.

I am a Senior and have been without medical coverage for 5 years. I was looking forward to receiving my Medicare next year. Will there be anything there to look forward to?

We ALL need to know in laymans terms bullet point facts of what our Senators / Congress people are deciding for us on this medical bill.

After all, it was greed by the insurance companies, doctors, hospitals and pharmaceuticals that got us into this position in the first place. Why don't our politicians look at that instead of trying to(so-to-speak) pay the price???

Regards.

Barack Obama helped us out, when he was a Senator and my granddaughter was diagnosed with APL Leukemia. I had both letters framed. My question before it is too late for Ashley. Can we get HELP NOW. They are without insurance again and the pharmacy won't give her the rest of her chemo for Oct. and the cost for Nov. is $4,500. After Nov. Ashley is supposed to be cured and off all medicines she was trreated with. As he grandmother and in NY( the Obama Mobile Lady)I am pleading for instand intervention. They live in Bluffton SC, 4 Pond View Court 29910. Ashley Lamiroult is 17 now and hoping to go to college at Pace Univ. in NY. If they don't get this medicine now, I fear for Ashley's life. My address is 12 Springfield Ave, Greenlawn,NY 11740. 631 266 5458 Ashley's # in SC is 843 7578556. Please help us once again. Charmaine

Thank you for the video. I am wondering if anything will be addressed in regard to the donut hole in Medicare Part D. As of last month, I had to drop a very important (but expensive) medication to help me breathe because I reached the donut hole and can't afford to pay out-of-pocket. Thank you!

This is so very important. Thank you so much for adding your voice to this. I feel very passionately that we must have health care reform NOW!

Thank you very much for your concern, Mrs. Obama. I would let other friends know about your message. I hope we all women get help with our health problems. And I wish all of you are in good health. Thanks CDPHP for paying all of my hospital bills.

I am not uninsured, I am UNDERinsured. With Breast Cancer awareness recently, I had hoped that I would be eligible again (as last year) for a free mammogram. But I was denied this year. That is troubling. It feels as if the lower-middle eschelon is being ignored. Please give us hope.
Thank you.

I just want to say "thank you" for making this video and express my agreement for American health care reform.

Right on Michelle! We need health care reform NOW! We need a public option. As a small business owner I can attest to the challenges of getting and paying for healthcare for myself and family. It is not a pretty sight and I am in very good health. At 53 I pay over $6000 annually and have a deductible that is nearly $3000.

What bill have you read? I don't know that they in Congress have anything in print that you even know what it is.

I think the health care debate has come along way, I am proud to live in country were there is a way to have debates and work on crafting forward thinking legislation. I am worried however that the politics are going to water down the reform too much and give second priority to the biggest stake holders in the this debate-American Families. It is starting to feel like Senator Snowe can have whatever she wants by teasing us with her vote. Do you really think that the the republican senators can successfully filibuster a bill that has this much support form the American people? 51 passes. I know we want to avoid the filibusterer, but reform is more important. I think that there are a lot stake holders involved. I think that those who have been making money, lots of money, are fighting to keep their income stream and they have a lot of money to throw around Washington. Please don't let big money win out over intelligent policy and what is good for the American people. Thanks for you time. Karin Paulsen

I agree with everything Mrs. Obama said. It is unconscionable that people (see Republicans and big health insurance companies) try to demonize a basic, caring need! Health reform is absolutely needed, and please don't make the current health insurers out to be the good guys! Try filing health claims, and see how long and convoluted a runaround you might get!

I want to thank President Obama and Mrs. Obama for their efforts to achieve health care reform. I know it's a tough fight and they need our support. Insurance companies and their definition of "preexisting conditions" have us at their mercy. We must do something and the time is NOW!

I am in full support of our pres. health plan. I beleave Pres. Oboma is the only who can do it. I would like to help in any way possible contact me at 208-512-0834 or rutkuykendall@yahoo.com if theres anything can do to help.

Dear First Lady Nichelle Obama,

Thank you for producing this video. We need complete reform of the insurance industry. We need "Medicare for All" as the "Public Option". Do you support HR676 Single Payer Option that Representative Anthony Weiner is planning to substitute for the very weak "Public Option" in HR3200?

HR676 covers everyone AND we also need reform to curb costs... Why not pay at the rate that High Quality Low Cost providers do like the Mayo Clinic and others?

Thanks!

Mrs Obama - thank you for speaking out. I agree with Bobbi above. A friend of mine recently diagnosed with breast cancer is in a terrible bind, she has very basic health insurance that does not offer comprehensive coverage or an allowance to see a doctor she chooses. She is only 45 and her husband has his own business - they have 3 kids and are just getting buy....What in the proposed health reform will solve issues like this. Look forward to your and Secretary's thoughts....

As posted on: http://www.methodisthealth.org/lebonheur/About+Le+Bonheur/The+New+Le+Bonheur+Building/A+Special+Guest+for+Grand+Opening

Le Bonheur shares in the First Lady’s belief that every child deserves quality health care. Our grand opening ceremony is an opportunity to showcase our shared commitment to children.
Mrs. Obama can help spotlight Memphis and the surrounding region and the unique health challenges that our children face. The Mid-South is comprised of a combination of urban and rural communities that have varied needs and challenges, including high rates of infant mortality, asthma and obesity. Le Bonheur is at the helm of the fight to improve children’s health in our region and throughout the nation.
We want the First Lady to see firsthand our efforts to care for kids beyond the walls of our hospital. Each year, Le Bonheur touches the lives of more than 300,000 children in the region through our community outreach programs.
At our grand opening event, Mrs. Obama will meet the new generation of volunteers she has inspired. Members of our Teen Advisory Council and our VolunTeens volunteer throughout the year, hosting events for our patients – including a mock prom – and even consulted on the design of the new hospital.
Our physicians, nurses and clinical staff would like to show Mrs. Obama our new state-of-the-art hospital dedicated to patient-and family-centered care, research and exceptional health care for all children. The hospital will feature a technology backbone for the next 30 years, sustainable building and the latest in children’s health research facilities.
Help us encourage the First Lady and her staff to come to our grand opening ceremony on June 15, 2010.

Michelle Obama shows how disconnected government is from the American populace. Just like all other politicians, if we end up having the "government" take care of us....we will ultimately be the losers. Never have I been more disappointed in an American president. He lives in his gilded world and does whatever he wants. So much for democracy.

I think that Michelle Obama is an incredible first lady! I believe in President Obama! I am disheartened by how many do not wish to change our system. We need change, we need to come together and start caring about on another. No one person is ever safe from the "roof falling in on them." Please remember this when you feel that someone else's problem is not your problem.

i do agree with mrs obahma we all should have some type of health insurance im lucky my 2 young daughters have medicare but i sure hope after they turn 18 i can aforde health insurance my dughters are right now 5 and 7 years old and both have add so i do need health insurance for the rest of our lifes but this is not just me is forevery parent herein te usa they need insureance kids get sick all the time and us as parents we need to feel safe that we cantake care our kids
tessy merino
laredo texas

I say the United States gets FREE MEDICAL INSURANCE... Other Countries have free medical so why cant we... Its all about the way you run things and lets face it, America hasn't done to great on running things.

No to Government run health care and that is the majority of the people.
It is about control in reality. If you control health care you will have full control over our lives. We will have in reality what the people who had no money got in the hospital Michelle O worked at. shoved out. google that one

Thanks Michelle,

I truly believe that we need totally comprehensive health care reform. Not some watered down version of a new health care plan. Otherwise, it is really not reform. I was laid off from my job in June of this year. I am now on Cobra which thanks to your husband I get subsidized to help with the payments for 9 months. After that period is over, I am concerned that my health care premiums will be to expensive to keep going. I wanted to know if the President plans on extending those subsidies. Also, I have a concern that "when" the public option gets passed within the bill, what's to prevent the insurance companies banning together to price fix the premiums? I am also worried that they will cover pre-existing conditions but at what cost. Are there going to measures built into the bill that prevents skyrocketing premiums for pre-existing conditions.

Thanks for the opportunity to submit questions. I worked and canvassed for your husband and I just wish he would be stronger on the public option in his public speeches. I would like to see him show a little more ire and for lack of a better word, demand it be in the bill.

Sincerely,
Lisa

I agree with what our First Lady, Michelle Obama, said on the Video. Actually, it reinforces our need for a STRONG Public Option.
So why does President Obama keep saying he favors Senator Snow's plan for a Public Option: A Trigger which is worthless, a joke on us?? It gives control of health care insurance over to the insurance companies. It implies that we trust the insurance companies to do what is right, to compete in the market place. They have already said they will increase premiums. It has been proven in so many ways that insurance companies cannot be trusted to do the right thing. Americans should not be asked to trust the insurance companies, wait 2-4 years to see if they do the right thing, and if they are not doing the right thing,maybe then, we can get a public Option.
No..We need a STRONG public Option NOW.
President Obama's belief that supporting Senator Snow's plan makes the bill Bi-Partisan is not correct. I believe he needs to rethink his position. She is only one person, and even if she votes to get the bill to the general floor of the Senate, she may not vote for it then.
ALSO: why do we have to wait some 4 years for this legislation to take effect?? Why not take effect at the very latest in 2011 or earlier????
The only beneficiary (ies) of legislation taking effect some 4 years from now are Insurance Companies. WE are hurting NOW..WE NEED CHANGE NOW, NOT SOME 4 YEARS FROM NOW.
And then weare asked to wait another 2-3 years to maybe get a PUBLIC OPTION...???not good for the people, only good for the Insurance Companies.

I support reform and a strong public option! However, I have a question and and I do feel alarm, if not fear . . .
I am 72, retired and on Medicare with the AARP supplement and they have worked well for me, so far. However, more and more doctors are not accepting new Medicare patients. I feel very fortunate that I am a cancer survivor since 1990--2 kinds which resulted in 2 surgeries (mastectomy and 1/3 of stomach for lymphoma). 1991 was for chemo and radiation--no further cancer treatment since then. However, if I want to move to another state to live near my children, I'm told I may not be able to find doctors who will accept me. WHAT ABOUT THIS??
**I'm still supporting reform and public option because I care about "our" children and grandchildren! I wonder if I will get some sort of response for my question!

One of my concerns about the health care reform is that the Obamas aren't going to use it. If it is really as wonderful as they say, what's the reason they aren't going to have it.

I also wonder what the reason is that their children go to a private school rather than a public one.

I have sent numerous e-mails to the president about a higher tax on alcoholic beverages to help pay for some of his programs, as he did with cigrarettes.

After writing and requesting a response, I got one about how great health the new government health care would be. I don't know the reason I don't get an actual response and why he doesn't raise the tax on alcoholic beverges.

This is really good to hear, the Health Care System in the United States has been lacking for so long. I am German and live in Germany. In Germany every working employee automatically has health insurance deducted from their paycheck, it is a MUST. This insurance covers their immediate family members also. Thank you Mrs Obama, this will be a great change for the USA.

I'm fortunate to have good health insurance through my employment with the federal government. However, my adult sons and sister as well as other family members and friends are not so fortunate. My 28 year old son has lost teeth and suffered with other health issues that would have been minor had he been able to afford medical care. My sister is uninsurable because of prior health problems. Many face the choice between healthcare and the basic right to have food and shelter. I live in Germany and recently met a man from Great Britain who was amazed that a nation as rich and powerful as the US does not provide basic healthcare for its citizens. We should be the model for the rest of the world, instead they shake their heads in wonder. I certainly don't claim to know how to fix the mess we're in, but at least President Obama is trying to keep the promises he made. His plan may not be perfect, but it beats the hell out of what has been done so far which is nothing!

Mrs. Obama
Thank you for your video on health care. I think one of the main problems with the insurance industry today is they have been given "Free Reign" for so long. We are forced to pay for car insurance/home owners insurance/health insurance, etc. So they can charge whatever they want to for the coverage. I have health insurance through my work and since this is the month for open enrollment, I found out that our insurance rate has been raised yet another 12% for next year. We have to have the coverage due to mine and my husband's health needs (We both have type 2 diabetes and my husband has heart health problems as well). So I am forced to pay the higher premiums. If there is more options out there for common people to choose from, the competition could change these premiums putting more money in hard working Americans pockets.

Ms. First Lady,
I am in total agreement that the way insurance is provided needs to be reformed. But lets not confuse health insurance with health care. All those expensive tests/drugs for cancer, meningitis etc... have been developed in the USA because we honored hard work, and productivity. When I was in school, I saw people in my Detroit neighborhood work hard and get rewarded for it. My Dad sold Pharmaceuticals for a now defunct company. I know how expensive it is to produce 1 new medicine-in part because of all the regulations.
As the women owner of a business, TRUE competition does work! My helthcare business has a fluctuating work force 2-5 employees and I am frustrated that I am villified for not providing insurance options to my employees. Lets make insurance portable across state lines - watch and see how competition brings down the costs! CUT the "feel good" regulations that force mountains of paperwork and contribute to fraud, and waste. The ONLY job of the government is to protect us from "threats here and abroad". I would hope you would foster productive discussion instead of relying on the government to "fix" health care. I read much from people that report business is afraid of a government option. That is because I deal with Medicare/Medicaid on a daily basis. THEY are broken and they are the government option!!! Yes I am afraid for further expansion of government into health insurance and healthcare. Please, Ma'am if you are truely interested in providing quality healthcare, you will foster a true free market economy - something we no longer have.... and reform Medicare and Medicaid by getting government OUT of the mix. MM

I would love to see a Health Care option that would give Americans the same Premium health care coverage as those in Congress get. My question would be, how are we going to pay for it? If you don't like it can you go back to your previous health care coverage without being turned away especially if you have a pre-existing condition.
Thank you,
Terry
P.S. Why didn't you post my last statement?

I see these people we elect in DC and wonder, why can't we ALL have the same health insurance they have?

I wholeheartedly support a single payer option. You don't know the importance of a single payer option until you have a health care problem that goes beyond the flu or something that can be resolved with some cream or a bit of antibiotics, which is just about all the insurance companies will pay for.

The working hard and getting rewarded for is garbage. I know many people who worked hard and lost their jobs anyway. I see more and more women being demoted and losing their positions because they have the misfortune of living beyond their ultimate sexual attractiveness. Only business owners and corporations thrive at the expense of the rest of us under a laisssez faire (lazy fair) system.

It is foolish and naive to listen to the ones who profit from a corrupt system to take counsel on reform for their own corruption. As the laissez faire proponents like to say-- There are winners and losers. The losers need to stop whining and take their losses. Losers - by losers they mean the hungry, the homeless and everyone who isn't rich like they are.

I think to USE women in this way is despicable. PEOPLE of any sex should be able to afford health care. That is NOT at the heart of this reform. WOMEN, need to educate themselves and stop defering to people who CLAIM to have YOUR best interests at heart. WHY is there not an opportunity for people to EXAMINE the bill AS IT WILL BE PASSED, WITHOUT CHANGES TO THE TEXT? Are we TOO STUPID, to be able to understand the context of the bill? As WOMEN, should we defer all that complicated legal mumbo jumbo to the POLITICIANS, and just take their word that we're not just digging ourselves into a financial prison? ARE YOU TARGETING US because you think WE can use our "feminine wiles" to convince our husbands, who so far have been smart enough to oppose this monstrosity and violation of our freedoms? WELL, women of the U.S. it's time to show these people we are not stupid, puppets of the system. We have minds of our own and WE WILL EDUCATE EACH OTHER ON THE PROS AND CONS.

Currently(fill in what ever misleading statistics you find in various publications on this issue. Statistics are ususally simply overblown misleading figures, manipulated by whomever to achieve whatever goals need to be achieved. ALL statistics lean towards the person who did the study.)
1. __% of the nation has health care coverage (insurance) that they can comfortably afford, ie no sacrificing lifestyle in order to make those insurance payments.
2.__ % of the nation has health care coverage that is taxing their ability to live a healthy lifestyle, (ie sacrificing leaisure,family,social time) in order to make those health care insurance payments, is not going to benefit them in the long run. (but it sure does benefit the insurance conglamorates.
3. The ___% of the nation who do not have insurance fall into 2 categories. A. those that simply cannnot afford it because they are poor, but not poor enough to qualify for free(as in medicaid) health care. These are the people who are NOT contributing to the Insurance Coffers.
B. Those that for whatever reason are taking the risk of NOT being ill. They may feel they are young enough to not have any serious health risks or wealthy enough to believe they can pay when and only when they need health care.
These are people who are NOT contributing to the Insurance Coffers.
UNDER THE NEW HEALTH CARE REFORM (SUB TITILES FORCED INSURANCE) The only thing to change is that people in both categories above will be FORCED to PAY the insurance companies money that they don't want to!!!!

We have gone from insuring our homes, cars and life in the 50's to insuring every aspect of our living breathing moments. The insurance industry will NOT leave ONE stone unturned in it's quest to squeeze the life and blood out of every single person on this planet.

MY POINT: The only thing we need is INSURANCE REFORM, NOT HEALTH CARE REFORM. But, they have the money AND the clout with one of the largest lobbying groups in the country (using YOUR money) to lobby AGAINST any legislation that will NOT bring them MORE VICTIMS. Life is a gamble, but the insurance companies know that. They ask you to lay your bet on the table knowing that for every ONE person that hits the daily double, 50 will leave their hard earned money on the table. Why can't we have the right to GAMBLE with our own odds?

No one will be able to retire because the more they pile on you in "required" debt, the longer you will have to work. Isn't that the plan? since there is NO S.S. money,
The more you work, the more ridiculous projects the government can embark upon with YOUR taxes. Here's just ONE example out of the thousands every day. Try looking up T.V. Marti (a little gov't propaganda project) and read the latest Senate hearing about how MILLIONS of dollars have been wasted by graft, and fraud within the dept. and how INEFFECTIVE it is.
And THESE are the people we want RUNNING our health care?
NO THANKS

My husband,Alonzo Collins,has end-stage renal failure.We moved to the Eastern Shore of Virginia,because in Las Vegas they closed the dialysis center at U.M.C Hospital because of high death rate. So his doctors told us to move to the East.Luckily,he was raised in the summers here as a young child.But recently on a kidney dialysis machine,after being on it for 4 hours,the nurses told him the machine was defective.He had to come back on Saturday(which he already goes Mon.Wed and Friday)it could of put him to a serious setback and ultimately to the hospital.The kidney dialysis center needs new machines,so this does not happen to anybody that goes there.This is how they stay alive.Nassawadox,VA.,is where the kidney dialysis center is. Can someone please,look into this. I don't want to lose my husband,we are raising our 12year old son.and i don't want him to lose his father. Laura munoz,exmore,va.

I'd like to know what laws and regulations will be in place to protect those of us who already have insurance from it increasing, to cover the insurance companies' losses from their competition, if we do get a robust public option, exchange, etc.

The crux of the matter is, whether or not things such as health care, housing, food, etc. is a right or a privilege. If we don't answer this crucial question in a realistic and humane way, we will never solve the issues related to equality in this country or the world. Everyone talks about change, however if the paradigm of how resources are to be distributed are not changed, whether or not war is a viable way to solve conflicts and a myriad of other extenuating problems caused by outdated approaches, we will remain at square one! To be concise, the changes needed in this society and the changes that are needed in the world starts with a change in heart!
First Lady Obama, I admire your courage, strength, and most of all your LOVE. I truly hope that President Obama's administration will continue to elevate the consciousness of the people so that we can rise above the inconsequential issues and ideas which are causing so much separation and misery!
Peace Out,
Pearl

Thanks Mrs. Oboma: you think it is just women with small children.. my children are 41 & 33...My son 41 works for UPS so he is covered. My Daughter 33 works at a Cafe in NYC-no coverage.... Arline, Bronx,NY

Mrs. Obama:
My question is, instead of starting from scratch, which we all know is going to cost us ALL more money for less as we usually get when the government is involved, why not go after the insurance companies and fix what is already in place? This may still cost us all more and NOBODY in a country like America should not have health insurance, but make the government a watchdog over fixing what we have. Canada's government took over and look at the mess they have. Canadians sometimes come to the US for their health care, or go without care - is this an example of the government taking over???
Thank you for your time and I do feel that you sincerely want change, but the things that the government is proposing, where is all the money going to come from, like all of the plans that have gone through so far! How much more debt will we be in and we are still no better off. I have 2 daughters with growing families and I wonder how they are going to pay the costs for all of these "fixes".

I have a medicare advantage plan. It is an HMO. They talk about taking away the payments to these type plans. What are we going to have to pay if they do?

They have allowed me to have a total breast replacement (DIEP flap) and surgery for thyroid cancer at the Mayo clinic, but what I have had to do for that care is very stressful. I went to a breast specialist and had to pay for his work. He wrote me a letter to give to the insurance company. I also had the plastic surgeon write a letter explaining that due to previous radiation, the DIEP flap was a 99.9% success rate rather than the 50% implant rate. My own physician wrote a letter in my defense.

They didn' discover the thyroid cancer until they removed the thyroid. Again, my Endochronologist went to bat for me.

The insurance company (Cariten) told me I would have to pay first and then submitt the bills and they might pay for them.. If this is managed care, I pity all of us on a public plan....

I have just watched Michelle Obama's video. Please back her campaign for fairer health care provision. I live in the UK where we have a very good National Health Care System. It isn't perfect, but nobody has to worry about not being able to get the health care they need.

How can a rich nation like the USA justify NOT having easily available, easily affordable health care. That to me is the biggest anomaly about the US.

What is your stance for things like maternity leave and prenatal care? Will this reform even have an effect on maternity leave? Will it create an equal footing for everyone so that if a celebrity is in labor they won't get a better room than any other woman?

I believe that our ability to obtain quality health care should not be decided by the "Individual Insurance Market." This is not Wall Street. The human factor has been removed and it has been replaced with business decision making. Pre existing conditions should not dictate ones ability to obtain affordable treatment. I am a proponent of this reform.

If Michelle Obamas healthcare overhaul at the University Of Chicago failed miserably and is described as a patient dumping scheme by Chicagoans, what makes anyone think her and her equally immoral husband can overhaul the whole United States system??? This woman already has a proven track record of failure. Look up the facts for yourself...http://www.frugal-cafe.com/public_html/frugal-blog/frugal-cafe-blogzone/2009/06/22/michelle-obama-patient-dumping-while-at-university-of-chicago-medical-center/ They also provide links if u want more sources. Do not cry out with namecalling if you dont like what i have to say about the fraudulent first family, read and research for yourself then make your own points!!!

I absolutely agree with Michelle! Please tell President Obama to hurry!!! I have family members who are desperate for health coverage. We need it now!

Ms Obama: Thanks for your propaganda, but unfortunately, we are not all as stupid and gullible as you and your husband hope we are. Health Care Reform IS needed but not the sneaky, behind closed doors method that is occurring in Washington now. We Do NOT need a government takeover of healthcare irregardless of the title you are currently choosing for it. For the first time in my life, I am embarassed of my country and the immaturity and inexperience that is being displayed with this administration.

Free Dental Care is of utmost importance in this new 'Health Care'/ As an RN, I see people with poor dentition, which directly affects their total health, especially cardio-vascular. Very Expensive to treat when the heart/vessels go awry.

The entire concept of health "insurance" is the problem. It's gambling...the insurance company is betting you won't need coverage and you're betting that someday you might. All of the billions of dollars spent on insurance premiums should be spent on making sick people healthy. Why do we need health insurance at all? Take all of that money and spend it on health CARE. So the insurance companies go out of business, so what? Lots of people have already lost their jobs and they will figure out something else to do for a living. Hopefully a new career that doesn't involve preying upon the vulnerable.

I would like to know if the proposed reform includes changes to the coverage and billing.

For example- at 37 with a family history of breast cancer my physician suggests a Mammogram every 6 months.

But my health care only covers one per year.

That means I have to pay for every other mammogram.

The funny thing is that without health coverage I could get a free test or get the pay out of pocket discount which is LESS than what I pay by paying through my insurance.

Turns out there are two (or more) rate schedules!

There are so many restrictions about what tests I am allowed and when that I'd actually be better off cancelling my coverage and being uninsured which is very sad.

Between my huge premiums and then paying out of pocket any way I lose.

Thank You, First Lady Michelle for the VIDEO and supporting the President's Health Care Reform legislation. I am looking forward to the day that it passes. I am certainly in favor of the Public Option that is talked about so frequently. This allows one to have competition. I am fortunate to have health insurance but I am praying that we can make it possible for everyone. My niece was out of work for almost a year and did not have health insurance, but she is back to work now. Thank you again for sharing your views with us.

i am for health care for everyone my son is losing his job he will have no health care i would like to help in any way i can to get people to understand how much we need health care

This is a great video. I have a question - how do you plan to handle kidney (and other) transplants and transplant post-care in the new plans? Will Medicare continue to be part of the program for individuals with ESRD (including post-transplant care), will this coverage be mandetory within government and non-government plans?

Thank you! We are closer than ever to making universal coverage a reality - it's amazing.

I appreciate that Michelle Obama is speakiing out on health care reform, and I thank her. The big thing that is more of an issue to me is not insurance so much, but the need to reduce what doctors and hospitals charge for the care we need. While doctors are able to have vacation homes and fancy cars, most of the public cannot pay to go to a doctor. I think one of the real issues is escalating costs of care. When the doctors, clinics, and hospitals agree to reduce their prices, more people can get the care they need. I see members of my family not able to eat right because they have teeth missing, and it costs too much to replace them. I personally cannot even afford to get a cavity filled. Glasses and hearing aids are overpriced, as are many medications. So the real issue is cost care. When something is done about that, I see our nation caring more for their people, and responding in an appropriate manner.

L LET ME SUMMARIZE.Comfort said:
Free Dental Care is of utmost importance in this new 'Health Care'/ As an RN, I see people with poor dentition, which directly affects their total health, especially cardio-vascular. Very Expensive to treat when the heart/vessels go awry.

sandra aeschliman said:
i am for health care for everyone my son is losing his job he will have no health care i would like to help in any way i can to get people to understand how much we need health care

Jamie said:
I would like to know if the proposed reform includes changes to the coverage and billing.
For example- at 37 with a family history of breast cancer my physician suggests a Mammogram every 6 months.
But my health care only covers one per year.
That means I have to pay for every other mammogram.
The funny thing is that without health coverage I could get a free test or get the pay out of pocket discount which is LESS than what I pay by paying through my insurance.
Turns out there are two (or more) rate schedules!
There are so many restrictions about what tests I am allowed and when that I'd actually be better off cancelling my coverage and being uninsured which is very sad.
Between my huge premiums and then paying out of pocket any way I lose.

COMFORT: Shame on you, I'd have thought that being an RN at least you know how to research and read. There will be NO free anything....someone is paying......are you willing to pay 30% more for your insurance so you can cover all these people who don't work and don't have insurance? This is about Forced Insurance....simple and plain.


sandra aeschliman: if you son loses his job and therefor his insurance he can buy COBRA....so can anyone....don't have the money? This plan will not GIVE YOU FREE INSURANCE.....then no one would work....(free food stamps, housing allowance and free health care?....heck, I think I'll quit my job, it's a lot less stressful.....and with all the good free health care I'll get, I'll outlast those of you that are footing the bill by working overtime haha)
If you're complaining now about having to pay for (ONE!) mamogram out of your pocket, wait until your premiums reflect the cost of insuring people who "can't" afford insurance...


Jamie, Jamie, Jamie: WAKE UP DEAR! You really need more exposure.....this bill is NOT about Insurance Reform.....It's designed by the Insurance Industry to bring to it's folds, more paying customers.....
Look at all the little gushing women who claim to be educated!
"Thank you Michele".....for sticking it to us again?
It's really pittiful that you probably know who stars in every evening T.V. show, who won the America Model Thing, and Which Survivor is Gay! But you don't know a damn thing about who's running your country and stealing your money.....Shame!

As noted above...Lepoards don't change their spots....

http://www.frugal-cafe.com/public_html/frugal-blog/frugal-cafe-blogzone/2009/06/22/michelle-obama-patient-dumping-while-at-university-of-chicago-medical-center/

Thank you for your attention to Health Care. As a licensed Physical Therapist I believe that we can promote better general health by providing premium discounts or rewards to people who actively participate in their own improvement and maintenance of their own health by exercicising and eating nutritionally dense foods. There is a lack of responsibility that coexists amongst us. We all need to take part of this healthcare reform by actively participating in our very own health care. The demand for higher fat an sugary foods is outrageous and undermining of health care. As we watch younger populations become sickened with preventable illnesses which used to only affect the elderly something else needs to be done besides government finding a way to finance health care. I plead that you give responsibility where it is due. The education of the public is widely provided. It is our duty as american citizens and residents to take control over issues that begin within our capabilities and obligation. "Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him, and to let him know that you trust him." ~Booker T. Washington

As a nurse in the USA, I have taken care of all socioeconomic groups. I agree that we need to have some type of coverage for all people. The problem I have, and many I know have, is that why should those that are addicts, alcoholics and deadbeats get the same healthcare as the reat of us. If these people are holding down jobs and paying taxes, they should get the same healthcare. The problem is with the ones that play the system or simply chose to not work and live off of others. They have the most healthcare problems, at a younger age, and yet they could be in line to get care before the rest of us hard working people. I hear people talk about this all the time. This is an issue.

Thanks for the insight into the reform! How would the new proposed health care plan help women with fertility problems who want to have children but are unable to due to costly procedures not covered by roughly 9 out of 10 insurance providers?

Could you explain the reason why some prefer the public option and some do not prefer the public option? And if the public option is better for those who usually can not afford health care, then could we individually vote to force our senators to take the public option (if there is an opt-out option in the bill)? I live in an area where I know my senator would try to prevent the public option without even looking at it.

Thanks First Lady Michelle. You're beautiful and a wonderful role-model for young ladies around the world. I voted not only for the President, but I voted for you. A vote for you.

As a business owner and a woman I strongly support Health Care for ALL, but I don't think what the White House is doing IS health care for all.

Please support HR676 which is the ONLY true Health Care For ALL.

Stephanie Watson

It is so refreshing to see a First Lady, who is also a young mom, reflect and advocate for this important legislation. People all over this country are having a hard time with bills, finances, job loss,etc.....Imagine, the United States of America, one of the greatest country's in the world and we have one of the poorest health care policy's......I have traveleed in 4 continents and have witnessed peoples, much poorer than ourselves, having health care. We need you to please continue to support this essential legilation and have a government option included in this bill.....People have to declare bankruptcy, in lieu of paying their bills , not because they want too, but because it's necessary. Do continue your fight to make this bill a law and bring the United Stes into the 21st. Century of Health Care Reform.

Please, please don't give up on the Public Option. We NEED it!!

I believe we must let Doctors practice medicine. An insurance co. should not have to approve care. Some natural remedy's should be covered. A doctor should have more time with a patient and teach the patient prevention. Nutrition should be covered in pediatrics until 18. The Dr's oice should get pa like 10.00 per every 6mo visit to give out a pamphlet about
where the patient should be nutrition wise. Example the paper
states at two child will need milk,cheese fruit and vegtable and give idea's of what to feed.Exp. do not give your child honey ubtil ater age 2 So many young mothers give sugar cereals
and no nutrition. When are vitamins needed etc alot of walkin clinics give out great info about your dx. It costs paper do Dr should get reimbursed

Thanks

I work for one of the big insurance companies and I know how they work since I work in customer service and am a jack of all trades when you think of the world of insurance. I am just concerned about losing my job. Will the current insurance companies be able to compete against a government option? What will be done about the high cost of medical claims? I see what comes in for claims and when you see an MRI cost $10,000 just for the facility claim (the use of the hospital space and the equipment) and you still have the doctor's claim to come is insane! How will infertility be covered? A lot of states do not have mandates requiring coverage. Lastly will the big self insured giants like CVS, UFCW, Citizen's bank... have to start to follow state mandates. They currently do not have to because they pay their claims which is crazy. Some of the giants do not cover wigs for people with cancer which is out right ridiculous! They should not be able to do what they want!
Thanks you for your time!

I am still worried...this new health care reform may not be fit for everyone.. http://www.typobounty.com/Funny/Health_Care_Reform2.htm

Speaking from Australia, I just don't get why this is an issue. we have universal health care for all, not perfect, reasonably costly...but well worth it and effective. I can't believe some of the stories I'm hearing out of the US and the fear the protagonists are dishing up. You're the richest country in the world and poor people miss out...I just don't get it.

1) I've lived in countries with socialized medicine...all of them had liability caps - $250K for wrongful death. It should be a basic precept that we are responsible for vetting our own care and that care givers intent is not to kill us - accidents happen and $250K is reasonable, to allow people to profit (especially lawyers) on an accidental death is criminal. Haven't heard this addressed.
2) Our care is sickness care, healthy people don't need it. There is little support for doing the right thing - I do not subscribe to allopathic treatments and at 50, take no prescription drugs or vaccinations and am treating no chronic illnesses unless the natural process of menopause is now considered an illness as opposed to a natural transition. It would be nice to know that acupuncture and chiropractic treatments to keep me off drugs and out of hospitals would be covered (even though they aren't big profit centers for drug companies.)
The plan is ill conceived as it really should address 1) Keeping healthy people healthy; 2) curing those that can be cured; 3) a plan for those with chronic ailments; and 4) caring for the elderly who are unable to take care of themselves as they transition out of life. One system doesn't work for all. How about clinic/clubs? Physician groups paid a monthly stipend - if you're healthy you pay in a monthly fee...when you get sick you don't pay anything (ergo, salaries are tied to keeping members well). Limit the chronic members or transition to coverage type II.
I just feel that this was rushed, not well though through, and lacked consideration for those who seek alternative wellness options - very myopic.

I FEEL MICHELLE HAS NO BUSINESS TO DO THE BIDDING FOR HER HUSBAND--THE PRESIDENT. HE WAS ELECTED TO "REPRESENT THE COUNTRY FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE".
THIS HEALTH CARE REFORM IS A CROCK. WE ARE CALLING IT A NEW NAME:CO-OP. BUT GUESS WHAT? ITS THE SAME OLD HEALTH CARE W/A NEW NAME W/ONE EXPECTION:IF WE THE PEOPLE ALLOW THIS BILL TO PASS, WE ARE ALLOWING THE PRESIDENT TO FINE US FOR NOT HAVING HEALTH INSURANCE. YES, I AGREE 6 MILLION PEOPLE ARE UNINSURED & THEY NEED TO BE INSURED. BUT WE MUST UNDERSTAND ONE THING: YOU HAVE TO WORK TO EARN A LIVING & SUPPORT YOU'RE FAMILY! NOT TO RELY ON THE TAX PAYERS TO BAIL YOU OUT/THE GOVERNMENT. THE SYSTEM IS OLD & NEEDS A COMPLETE OVERHAUL. BUT WHO IS FRONTING THIS BILL? WE THE TAX PAYERS WHO WORK HARD FOR OUR MONEY. THAT MONEY GOES TO FEEDING "OUR FAMILY"(KIDS),& OUR BILLS,COLLEGE FUNDS, ETC..FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN. BY TAXING THE PEOPLE MORE FOR THE EVERYDAY LIVING EXPENSES, TO FUND THOSE WHO DON'T/WON'T WORK, WE ARE CREATING A SOCIETY THAT IS DEPENDED ON THE GOVENMENT CRUTCH & WHAT KIND OF EXAMPLE ARE WE SETTING FOR CHILDREN OF THOSE PEOPLE? TO BE LAZY NO-GOOD FOR NOTHINGS.
WHAT ABOUT THIS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE THE PRES GOT? THERE WAS ALOT OF MONEY ATTACHED TO THAT! THAT MONEY COULD HELP EVERYONE OUT. THE DEFICIT IS SKY ROCKETING!! WHO DO THINK IS GOING TO PAY THIS OFF? WE ARE!! THROUGH HIGHER PAYING TAXES- PROPERTY, LIVING,FOOD, GAS, ETC.. THE SOCIAL SECURITY IS GOING BANKRUPT. THE BABY BOOMERS ARE @ AN AGE OF RETIRING; SO GUESS WHAT? OUR KIDS & GRANDKIDS ARE THE ULTIMATE WEAPON--WHY? THEY ARE THE ONES WHO WILL BE PAYING THIS EXCEEDINGLY HIGH DEFICIT. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO ARE GOING TO SUFFER FOR THE WRONG CHOSES WE MAKE BY AGREEING W/THIS HEALTH REFORM BILL. ALSO,THINK OF THIS: MINIMUM WAGE IS $7.20 X 40 HRS=$288 PER WEEK =$1152 PER MONTH BEFORE TAXES. YEAH, IT SOUNDS ALOT; BUT THINK OF IT THIS WAY: YOU MADE $13,824 PER YEAR BEFORE TAXES. GUESS WHAT? YOU QUALIFY FOR FOOD STAMPS ETC.. SO, WE ARE BACK TO SQUARE ONE. THE TAX PAYERS ARE SUPPORTING YOU WHO DONT/WONT/CANT PROVIDE FOR YOU'RE FAMILIES!!
YES,AS A PROUD BORN BRED AMERICAN I OPPOSE TO THIS HEALTH CARE REFORM.
THIS IS ANOTHER FORM OF CONTROLLING THE SOCIETY & WHAT AMERICA STANDS FOR FREEDOM!
COMMUNISISM IS WHAT THIS IS BECOMING. SO, EVERYONE WHO IS A TRUE BLOODED AMERICAN, STAND UP & SAY "NO" TO THE HEALTH CARE REFORM. IF NOT FOR OUR FUTURE, BUT FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR KIDS!!

Thank you , Mrs. Obama. I would like to see an end to the co-pay...and more services opened to those who cannot afford them, like dental care. There are some dental proceedures that are very urgent, in terms of care, that dentists will say you or your child cannot have because they are considered "cosmetic proceedures." That is a nice way to say, "You only want this done to look good." This was my experience when I sought to get braces for my son. I had to go through quite a fight, and now fighting for my other son, and not for "looking good," but for the well being of their future oral health.
Also, alot of people simply cannot afford co-payments. Elderly people, mothers and children, and working middle class. I was at a pharmacy one day, heartbroken over this elderly lady who did not have $7 dollars to pay for her heart medication. I just happened to have exactly $7 dollars in my pocket. Without hesitation, I paid it for her, when the clerk refused to let her have it, until she paid the $7 dollars that her insurance did not cover. Please consider all of these thing stated when you think of reform. May God continue to bless you and our beloved President, your children and family.

Speaking from Australia, I just don't get why this is an issue. we have universal health care for all, not perfect, reasonably costly...but well worth it and effective. I can't believe some of the stories I'm hearing out of the US and the fear the protagonists are dishing up. You're the richest country in the world and poor people miss out...I just don't get it.

Thank You Ms Obama for taking a stand. We want our families to be protected and we need advocates. Please make it clear what woman can do to help? What are the outlets. Your personal stories make it clear you understand.

Thank You Ms Obama for taking a stand. We want our families to be protected and we need advocates. Please make it clear what woman can do to help? What are the outlets. Your personal stories make it clear you understand.

Will there be (or is there any provision for) wellness care in the reform bill? I think that preventive care would be very important because it can catch a lot of problems early when there is a much greater chance of fixing the problem or preventing something from getting worse. It seems logical that it would save a great deal of money because while it might take a bit of time and anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, it's much better than waiting until a person can't avoid seeing a doctor for something that might well cost hundreds of thousand of dollars and in the end might not make a difference because it's "too little too late". It will also cut down drastically on emergency room visits where people are using that as their primary medical care due to inadequete insurance. I think that people that participate in wellness care should also get a discount on their insurance because they are working with their insurance companies to stay healthy (which will cost insurance companies less in the long run too). Maybe I'm dreaming... but its a nice dream which could become reality. Thank you for listening.

Don't send me white house statements...I did not join this site to be lectured on the President's policies. This is using a site to push a party's agenda!! How disappointing this is!! I hope you are not sharing my email with the white house...I want some assurance this is not being done...Or I do not want all my personal information removed from this site!!!

I appreciate the comments and concern that Michelle Obama shows in this message regarding Healthcare.

I believe that there should be legislation on a Federal level that lays out the Coverage that should and would be offered by all Insurance Companies. They can go beyond this coverage and charge what they want within reason, but the Coverage should be the Coverage. No difference from Company to Company.

There should be a Federal Law regarding Pre-existing conditions. They should be Covered.

The premium for women should be no more, no less than that for men. This must be enforced at the Federal Level.

Medicare is a good Plan, it just needs to be more realistic in it's coverage. The Coverage laid out by the Federal Government should be accepted by Medicare.

Often we forget the little guy, the SMB, in our discussions of the comings and goings of the Internet marketing industry. Sure there are times like this when a report surfaces talking about their issues and concerns but, for the most part, we like to talk about big brands and how they do the Internet marketing thing well or not so well.

www.onlineuniversalwork.com

The Center for Media Research has released a study by Vertical Response that shows just
where many of these ‘Main Street’ players are going with their online dollars. The big winners: e-mail and social media. With only 3.8% of small business folks NOT planning on using e-mail marketing and with social media carrying the perception of being free (which they so rudely discover it is far from free) this should make some in the banner and search crowd a little wary.

www.onlineuniversalwork.com