In each forum, when asked to define the top priority for Congress and the new Administration to address, the universal response was reducing the total number of uninsured Americans. The subsequent priority was also the same in each community shoring up the solvency of Medicare. Further addressing these concerns, panel discussions in each community addressed challenges facing the uninsured and Medicare and seniors health. Although the majority of participants agreed that lack of insurance is a significant policy issue that needs to be addressed, some also stated that they are voluntarily uninsured. As one citizen in Pennsylvania stated, I am in good physical condition and exercise daily.
Insurance is a waste of money.
Providers across the country also frequently commented that many people are simply not aware of the health insurance options available to them. Subsequently, when asked what policy makers need to focus on to address these issues, a vast majority of participants opposed the idea of one national program covering everyone with health insurance. In states such as Pennsylvania and Kentucky, seniors were most concerned with having access to choices in health plans that provided adequate long-term care coverage. In California, seniors wanted health plans that provide access to more clinical trials and alternative medical techniques.