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Local voices on health care reform

By News-Sentinel Staff
Thursday, September 10, 2009 6:57 AM PDT

Comments (70 comment(s))

President Barack Obama summoned Congress to join in a "season for action" on health care Wednesday night, urging lawmakers to set aside partisan gamesmanship in favor of drafting legislation that benefits millions who have insurance and many more without it.

Here are what local business people and those involved in the health care field say about health care reform:

Darrell Didreckson, co-owner, Sheri's Sonshine Nutrition, Lodi, and two other businesses in Turlock and Elk Grove


Darrell Didreckson

"My major concern is the cost. Private insurance is very expensive, but you have the option of staying alive. Can you imagine some agency deciding whether you're worthy of chemotherapy? Who's going to pull the plug on Grandma?

It's noble to try to insure everybody and 41 million illegals, but there's a cost involved, and the numbers I've seen so far are quite unrealistic."

Mike Locke, owner, Christensen's Fashions, Lodi


Mike Locke

"Right now, I have no options because I have a pre-existing condition. If you have a pre-existing condition, you cannot change companies on an individual basis. I would like to have the same choices as a group plan has with no underwriting condition."

Dennis Buettner, community outreach worker, Stockton

"We have a lot of people who have no access to health care. Without wonderful programs like the CareLink program, a homeless health care outreach run by a community medical center, I'd be up a creek. Even with them, it's so hard. I don't know whether (Obama's health care plan) is going to truly be able to address those issues.

Whether or not any plan is really going to be able to fix everything is questionable. In a dream world, you'd have everyone get good care and get good doctors who get paid what they're worth.

What bothers me more than anything else, on both sides of the aisle, is the misinformation. I see both sides. I think a lot of people have trouble (knowing) that we're paying for health mistakes people are making for not taking care of themselves. On the other side, how many people do I know who won't qualify for Medi-Cal, but can't afford to pay for insurance? It's quite a number."

Pat Patrick, President, CEO Lodi Chamber of Commerce, Lodi


Pat Patrick

"Everything I have read indicates more questions than answers from the president. How are we going to provide coverage for 50 million people with no provision for more doctors, nurses and medical facilities? Will there just be longer waits? Also, the secretary of Health and Human Services and the managing entities are not subject to judicial review. It seems like the phrase 'measure twice, cut once' doesn't apply. It's as if they cut and then measured."

Thomas Epstein, vice-president, Blue Shield


Thomas Epstein

"As a company that has advocated universal health coverage since 2002, we applaud the president's commitment to achieve comprehensive health reform this year. The Congress must seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce costs, improve quality and cover every American. We look forward to working with policymakers in Washington to ensure that health reform legislation delivers access to quality care at an affordable price through a mix of private and public coverage, and that those who are satisfied with their current coverage are able to keep it."

Marylou Powers, executive director, South County Services, Galt


Marylou Powers

South County Services has received few complaints about expensive medical services adding to families' debts, executive director Marylou Powers said. That's because Powers believes residents are not even going to the doctor.

Often the uninsured instead go to the emergency room, where taxpayers end up footing the bill, she said.

Unemployment numbers in Galt have grown to 20 percent, and she said most of those people probably do not have insurance.

But she does not yet know if the proposed Obama plan will help.

"It's such a loaded question. ... It's nice for everyone who needs insurance to get insurance, but I'm just not sure how that is going to come about," she said.

While she believes there needs to be reform, she is not sure if the proposed health care plan will work because the taxpayers know so little about it.

"No one knows what the reform is going to be or how it is going to affect them," Powers said.

Carol Farron, spokeswoman for Lodi Memorial Hospital


Carol Farron

The hospital, including CEO Joe Harrington, has not yet formed an opinion because there isn't yet a solid health care reform plan.

"We're very eager to see it. We'd like to see some relief for the large number of uninsured in California, we'd like to see some relief for the small-business owners throughout the state and country that are charged for health care, we'd like to see some relief for health care providers who are not reimbursed for care."

Farron noted that Lodi school employees have seen their insurance premiums double, and hospital employees for the first time are paying their premiums.

Wendy Moore, San Joaquin County aging and community services administrator


Wendy Moore

"Nothing is ever perfect, I guess, and therein lies part of the problem. It must have major components taking care of seniors with disabilities and children. I think there are components that have the potential to be a benefit. The devil is in the details. What has been put out there is a broader brush. The last thing we want to have is something that is confusing and cumbersome like Medicare Part B.

What I'm hearing from seniors is that they don't want it to cut too deeply into the private component. There are those who spent their entire careers working toward their retirement plans. They don't want that to go away because that was part of their own compensation packages. What I heard from some seniors is that they gave up some of their salary in exchange for medical and long-term care insurance."

Reader Feedback

Lodian wrote on Sep 14, 2009 12:40 PM:

" I wonder if, Darrell Didreckson (co-owner of Sheri's Sonshine Nutrition), thinks he might have hurt his business by making these statements. "

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ttian wrote on Sep 13, 2009 11:47 PM:

" Illegals eventually use the ER if they can't see a doctor or get needed treatments. What are the options?
1. Illegals don't pay into an insurance option and go to the ER = $$$,$$$, or 2. Illegals somehow see doctors and don't use the ER as often = $,$$$? ?

What's the/a solution(practical/realistic)?

US Citizens receive medical treatment when visiting other countries with universal health insurance? Just wondering, what about visitors to the US that need medical attention while here? Who pays for that? How does that work, for most cases? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 13, 2009 9:46 PM:

" Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Sep 13, 2009 5:35 PM:

" Bryan probably sits at the kids' table at dinner parties. "

That kinda creeps me out! "

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voter wrote on Sep 13, 2009 6:55 PM:

" Brian, money is not being taken away from senior citizens, it's being taken away from insurance companies. Right now, under Medicare, we are giving insurance companies a multi-billion dollar subsidy called Medicare Advantage. There are far cheaper ways to provide those services. "

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flyguide wrote on Sep 13, 2009 6:08 PM:

" Obama has given great lip service and even said thing in his address that is not true. illeagls will be covered and he will raise taxes. My problem is Obama has not done what he said, he is not working to unite but has polarized this country. The truth is, we need jobs not health care! There are more people ready to be on the streets with their families right behind them. Give us jobs! create temp jobs rather than fund the damn banks and auto industry! "

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Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Sep 13, 2009 5:35 PM:

" Bryan probably sits at the kids' table at dinner parties. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 13, 2009 4:00 PM:

" Brian draws these odd connections between totally different comments and conversations. In other words... he makes this stuff up as he goes along. Brian must be a real hoot at dinner parties. I wonder if anyone has ever video taped his antics for youtube. lol! "

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Brian wrote on Sep 13, 2009 8:47 AM:

" voter wrote on Sep 11, 2009 5:17 PM:

" Stan, you really ought to calm down. Getting all worked up over wild conspiracy theories can't be good for your blood pressure. "


-I didn't know that Obama's plan to cut Medicare by 500 billion was a conspiracy theory. He's said it on many occasions that this is his plan. But that won't keep you from putting words into the President's mouth. "

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Gator wrote on Sep 12, 2009 7:37 PM:

" Until people demand accountability from politicians starting at the City/county level all the way to the top nothing will change. Simple
they think they have a free ride. Now is the time to change their way
Of thinking. E-Mail ,Phone calls ,Local office visits and the Ballot box. "

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rantraves wrote on Sep 12, 2009 10:13 AM:

" Independence. That's what America was founded on; and that is where the solution to health care will be found also. The problem with the current system is that it is front loaded. In that people are paying for service before they receive it; Factor in those who pay nothing for service and "binga dinga" there it is -- the biggest flippin' mess you never wanted. Independence, that's the only way out. People need to have doctor; and they need to pay their doctor for the services rendered. Should there be a fail safe mechanism (access to money), backed by the govt, to "insure" access to modern procedures? Absolutely, but the choice must remain with the individual. Should the govt build clinics for those unable to pay? Sure. Maybe the clinics could stationed in close proximity to the local ER -- just so that the ER nurse can point out window and show the patient where the "govt doctor" can be found. The point is that people can make this work; but the govt doesn't have chance in hell of ever reaching it's objective -- "fairness". "

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voter wrote on Sep 12, 2009 7:01 AM:

" Poor Cog.
The discussion was about illegal immigrants and now you're claiming what? That Canadians are the largest segment of that group using our healthcare system for free? That's dishonest, but you were cornered and it was the only place for you to run. The far right loonies who post here are obsessed with the problem of illegal Hispanics. Please, tell me how you will check for citizenship of everyone who enters a U.S. emergency room.

And then, maybe that "superior intellect" of yours can explain why you ran off and refused to answer why you thought half of a Bible verse (that gays are an abomination) needed to be taken literally, but the other half (your obligation to kill them) should be ignored. Coward. "

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Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Sep 11, 2009 11:52 PM:

" Lodian, I told cogito the same thing last week. He has a short term memory problem. He should go to the ER and have his head examined. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 11, 2009 11:18 PM:

" Somehow the people that abuse the healthcare system (emergency room visits and illegals etc) and do not pay must have this catch up with them at some point. How can this be accomplished without this healthcare reform bill and it's options? Many complain of the cost, BUT it is costing us as it is now and it's got to stop! "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 11, 2009 11:14 PM:

" Cogito wrote "What do you want my superior intellect to intelligently solve next?"

lol! Well, don't you think the millions you spoke of cost us a ton of money? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 11, 2009 11:12 PM:

" Cogito: Since you are in support of treating someone here illegally if they have to go to the hospital emergency room etc, then surely you must be in support of offering an insurance option/choice for those living here legally that do not already have healthcare insurance. If those here (legally) are able to finally get health insurance, don't you think it would end up lowering the costs for all of us? Preventative care, less emergency room visits (because they have a regular doctor and insurance) and healthier kids/families all lead to lower costs to the rest of us. Don't you agree? "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 11:05 PM:

" I have no problem with our government coming up with a solution to cover those who can't afford health care. To get those millions to sign up who are too lazy, high, or stupid to realize they already qualify. To compel those who can afford it, but choose to buy a ski boat or a Harley instead, to do what's right. AND those who are citizens. That leaves us with around 20 million, in a country of 330 million to take care of. What kind of complete idiot would consider tearing down the best health care system in the world to include such a small percentage? Put them in Medicare. Mission accomplished. What do you want my superior intellect to intelligently solve next? "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 10:52 PM:

" No, voter, I don't want the Canadians coming here for our superior healthcare. Who were you referring to you bigot? "

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rantraves wrote on Sep 11, 2009 10:24 PM:

" Bob, don't go ocd on us pal. "

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voter wrote on Sep 11, 2009 7:51 PM:

" Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 6:35 PM:
" I believe in treating all sick people."

Really? Cause you parrot a thousand reasons to oppose any type of universal healthcare. So, were you lying about your desire to provide healthcare to everyone, or were you lying about your opposition to it?


Cog continues," But once their healed, send them home and send them and their government the bill. "
I imagine that this sounds like a simple solution to someone who hasn't given it much thought. Would you require that EVERYONE who enters a hospital provide proof of citizenship or only the dark skinned people? Maybe only the poor people without insurance? Are you freak'n serious? How many citizens will you deport and violate in the process because they can't locate a birth certificate or a passport in an emergency situation? "

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Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Sep 11, 2009 7:11 PM:

" Stan crazy predicted: "I think he's going to ram it (healthcare) through; then he's going to work hard -- at cheating -- in the next election to save his allies; and finally, he's going to pray that his insanity is just what everybody wanted. Holy smokes! it's going to get crazy. "

Translation: Health care reform will become law and millions will benefit from it. Obama will ride this wave to reelection and millions will hail him as a great president and advocate for ALL Americans.

Is that what you were saying Rantin' Stanley? "

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rantraves wrote on Sep 11, 2009 6:53 PM:

" voter, I didn't know about the conspiracy. C'mon, it doesn't take a conspiratorial mind to understand how desperate these people are becoming -- you do understand that desperate people will do anything to keep what they have don't you? "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 6:35 PM:

" I believe in treating all sick people. But once their healed, send them home and send them and their government the bill. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 6:33 PM:

" Voter, can I buy some pot from you? You seem to have a good connection for the best stuff. Rhodie brought up immigration. Illegals are not "tourists". Nothing provides health care for millions of illegals now, but they get it don't they. AND they don't pay for it. That will not change under Barry the Marxist. What will change however, is achieving his stated dream of ending private health care. Except of course for his family, and all his rich friends and politicians. Why do you think he's in such a hurry now, to legislate something he doesn't want implemented until after the next election? "

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voter wrote on Sep 11, 2009 5:35 PM:

" Cog, facts really have no impact on your beliefs and opinions, do they? Let's give it one more try for all the slow learners.

Neither version of the healthcare reform bills would provide insurance for illegals. However, for humanitarian reasons, tourists and illegal aliens, will continue to receive emergency care. If this offends you, then may your God have mercy on your soul. Illegals who have insurance through their employers would not lose it--same for the rest of us. Immigration is a separate issue--an important issue, but a SEPARATE issue. It's ridiculous to think that a healthcare bill would include immigration reform and sanctions.

Fox News has robbed you of your ability to think and reason for yourself. "

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voter wrote on Sep 11, 2009 5:17 PM:

" Stan, you really ought to calm down. Getting all worked up over wild conspiracy theories can't be good for your blood pressure. "

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rantraves wrote on Sep 11, 2009 4:22 PM:

" Rhodie, you have to believe that amnesty equals votes for libs. Poor Obama though, he's reeling uncontrollably; and now know one knows for sure how this is going to end. I think he's going to ram it (healthcare) through; then he's going to work hard -- at cheating -- in the next election to save his allies; and finally, he's going to pray that his insanity is just what everybody wanted. Holy smokes! it's going to get crazy. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 2:39 PM:

" Excellent theory Rhodie, but unless Barry the Marxist opens the borders, there will be new illegals here the very next day. "

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Rhodie wrote on Sep 11, 2009 1:38 PM:

" "Illegals will NOT be denied healthcare."

Wait a minutes, isn't there a rumor that Obama wants to legalize all illegals? If that were true then what he said would be true as well. Big Gov. Healthcare wouldn't cover any illegals, because they would all be legal.

Anyone heard any more about Obama and his plan to change the legal status of the millions who came here illegally? Last I heard he wanted to push through their legalization by years end. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 1:24 PM:

" What, you afraid to take the wager? Here's what Barry the Marxist is not telling you. He wants you to believe that illegals will be denied free healthcare. But, what will happen is that hospitals will have to treat them, they won't pay. the hospitals will have to eat the cost, which will drive up costs to those who do pay, which they will have to pass on or close their doors. Which is exactly what we have now. Nothing will really change but the semantics. Illegals will NOT be denied healthcare. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 11, 2009 12:25 PM:

" Can you support your statement? "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 10:59 AM:

" Lodian, I'm willing to bet dinner at W&R that it won't happen. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 10:58 AM:

" Lodian, do you think illegals will be denied health care? Can you, and would you support THAT! Where's your leftie compassion? "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 11, 2009 10:33 AM:

" Cogito wrote "Illegals won't be denied health care, and Barry knows it..."

Can you support this statement? "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:39 AM:

" Rantraves, about the link, I doubt any of the dwindling supporters of Barry the Marxist will get it. It's full of common sense and sound reasoning. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:33 AM:

" Illegals won't be denied health care, and Barry knows it, that makes him a liar. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:31 AM:

" By the way Voter, where do you get the idea that I think illegals need to "suffer and die needlessly". It's Barry the Marxist who wants deny them medical care, not me. Where's your disdain for him? I just want to keep them out of our country. I say treat them, deport them, and take steps to make sure they never come back. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 11, 2009 8:26 AM:

" Voter, so your throwing in with Barry the Marxist who will take away the private health care of the illegals ( if what you say isn't a lie. I know you Barry the Marxist supporters can't tell the difference)? And you're accusing me of being heartless. "

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voter wrote on Sep 11, 2009 6:55 AM:

" Cog stands on his stack of Bibles again selfishly shouting out lame excuses to support his belief that some people deserve to suffer and die needlessly. "

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voter wrote on Sep 11, 2009 6:47 AM:

" Cog, did you know that half of all illegals currently DO have health insurance? They get it from their employers, according to the Pew Research Center. "

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rantraves wrote on Sep 11, 2009 6:44 AM:

" Great link Cog. I hope everyone watches it. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 10, 2009 10:30 PM:

" Watch this- http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=G44NCvNDLfc "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 10, 2009 10:15 PM:

" The truth is, there is no mechanism in the bill to enforce the "no illegals" statement. Illegals have no health coverage now, but it doesn't stop them from obtaining free health care, and that will continue. There have already been bills introduced to forbid funding for illegals obtaining free health care, and funding for abortions. The Democrats voted down both bills. It's not entirely Barry the Marxists call to make. Don't forget The Plastic Fantastic Nancy, and the soon to be unemployed Harry, they have their hands all over this money grab too. Remember, illegals also lack drivers licenses and insurance, but that doesn't stop then from driving in our streets. "

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OTH wrote on Sep 10, 2009 9:42 PM:

" dogs4you

Regarding your 11:45 a.m. post regarding Kaiser. It's not fixed for everyone. They missed a malignant meloma on a friends neck. By the time time they came to their senses she had invasion in all of her lymph nodes on one side of her neck.

So they did chemo and surgery and she seemed fine for awhile. Then they found it in her lungs, her liver and all over her body. They told her there were 2 different chemos they could give her but because she might be terminal they would use the cheaper one.

She suffered an agonizing death from a problem they caused. But they save a few bucks doing it. HMO'S need to be accountable and screw this arbitration nonsense. "

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voter wrote on Sep 10, 2009 8:22 PM:

" sorry Jeff, I didn't see your post. "

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voter wrote on Sep 10, 2009 8:21 PM:

" Gio, anyone with a firing synapse knows that there are not 41 million illegals in the country. Based on the current US population, that 41 million would be more than 13%. Total hispanic population of the USA is just over 45 million, and while I concede that illegals come from other areas of the world as well, it becomes pretty clear that Darrell's McFact was a random number tossed out to the idiots. "

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rantraves wrote on Sep 10, 2009 8:13 PM:

" Lodian says that the plan is only intended to help. OK, will the plan help the uninsured? It is likely that the plan will give greater access to the uninsured for a period of time; however, that access will diminish as resources become more scarce. Will the plan help struggling families bring down their heathcare costs? It likely that families now on the cusp of affordability will see savings; however, those savings will diminish as resources become more scarce. Why will the govts idea of "help" lead to fewer resources? Because the people expected to pay for all of this insanity will do everything in their power to save their own butts -- and nothing short of martial law is ever going to change that! "

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jeff wrote on Sep 10, 2009 8:12 PM:

" giovanina, do you think ther are 41 million illegal immigrants in this country? Do you really believe that 15% of the people in this country are illegal immigrants? And there was no voting down of a republican initiative to disallow illegal immigrants from health care, because it was already, and has always been in the proposed bill. "

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dogs4you wrote on Sep 10, 2009 8:08 PM:

" Sam, thanks for the kind words. Cancer was found in my prostate during a TURP proceedure. Only a PSA test can tell for sure as time goes by. If my PSA score gets above 5, I`ll have a date with a surgeon and have it removed. Robotics are the coming thing in surgery, Kaiser has one in Walnut Creek. I seem to be, as you would say toxic at times, but really I`m not that bad a guy and would do anything for people that I like, and maybe don`t like either. I`ll tone down, or at least try. Also, by wife had breast cancer, but that was 17 years ago and were still in the trenches. OK, I`ll get a hammock. "

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Giovanina wrote on Sep 10, 2009 7:44 PM:

" sam wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:25 PM:

" What is sad is that I will never set foot in Darrell's store again.

Sorry Darrell. You should think before you speak. Fact check Darrelll. There are NO DEATH PANELS and there are not 41 million illegals in our country. ALSO check it out... illegals will NOT be covered under this plan. "

How do you know how many illegals are here? Did you personally count them? NO you didn't. Maybe you better fact check, as no one has been able to count them, officially, as they are all guesses.

All amendments to create enforcement laws to keep illegals out of the health insurance reform were nixed by a Democrat Partisan vote, just like all the other ideas Republicans came up with for reforms.

Oh that's right Democrats said Republicans had no ideas for reform.

Although the Dems voted them down, those Republican reform amendments are a "matter of Congressional Record", try reading it. "

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Gator wrote on Sep 10, 2009 7:34 PM:

" I have been on SS and MC for five years and have absolutely no complaints.
I had a biopsy last month Medicare paid 160.00 of a 190.00 Bill Pacific care
paid 11.00..I pay MC 96.00 plus 32.00 for pt. D for 128.00 a Month. I pay
Pacific Care 430.00 a month and all they paid was 11.00...October 1st I
switch to Mutual of Omaha 104.00 plus 27.00 for part D.. No referrals and
no co-pay…And any Doctor and Hospital of our choosing…You really need
to do your home work, Supplements cost more than Advantage plans but will Nickel and dime you to death with co-pay. Also the insurance companies will change what they will and wont cover at the drop of a hat on advantage Plans. Not so with a supplemental plan… "

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voter wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:50 PM:

" I'd be interested in knowing if Sheri's provides health insurance for its employees. Anybody know? "

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voter wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:49 PM:

" Why would I care what a local business person has to say? I want facts, not regurgitated lies and misinformation. Darrell, I'm with Sam and have no use for your store any longer either. If you are spewing lies about healthcare, how can I be sure that you are not spewing lies about health food--lies that will increase your profits? "

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sam wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:25 PM:

" What is sad is that I will never set foot in Darrell's store again.

If his major "concern is cost" might I suggest you google products he sells. I love the Aloe juice he sells. I get the same product 20% cheaper from the makers with free shipping.

Sorry Darrell. You should think before you speak. Fact check Darrelll. There are NO DEATH PANELS and there are not 41 million illegals in our country. ALSO check it out... illegals will NOT be covered under this plan. "

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sam wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:16 PM:

" Nurse607, I agree. Thank you ! "

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nurse607 wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:08 PM:

" This is not journalism.

This is standing in line at the Big M grocery store and asking people who can give the longest, most obfuscated, minsinformed, hateful viewpoint on the topic.

Shame on you, Lodi News-Sentinel, for not doing any real work on this story. Is it that difficult or time-consuming to do any real research? What about context? Fact-checking is too hard for you folks?

Your website is quickly becoming an irrelevant blog, not a legitimate news source. "

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sam wrote on Sep 10, 2009 4:12 PM:

" Dogs, did I read your 11:45 am post correct? You are battling cancer? You, my friend, are in my prayers.

I used to hate Kaiser until they saved my son (he is an adult member) and are currently working to save another family member from cancer. They have been impressive.

Have you seen their cancer hospital in Oakland? It is top notch.

As much as I love reading your blogs, I have to say these blogs are toxic at times. Take a break and get a hammock. Peace out. "

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uncle stinky wrote on Sep 10, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Cogito,
are you a real person or someone pretending to be a rabid conservative as a joke. You are funnier than Stephen Colbert. "

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Bob Hussein Loblaw wrote on Sep 10, 2009 2:43 PM:

" Cogito blathered: " Yes jramagic, and last night, those "oft-brainwashed naive pawns" were fawningly kowtowing to the leader of their cult, believing the lies. "

Very Bryanesque of you Cogito. So sad you have sunk to that level of discourse. "

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dogs4you wrote on Sep 10, 2009 2:37 PM:

" Lodian, concerning big insurance companies, there are Blue Shield, Blue Cross along with many others to choose from. It`s up to the individual to change if they are not satisfied with their present insurance company. I would hope no one makes a decision by what they hear on talk radio, it`s just talk. Concerning another source, what did you have in mind.

While no program is 100%, per my post at 11:45 Kaiser comes very close. If you need more information, check out their web site. "

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Lodian wrote on Sep 10, 2009 1:58 PM:

" hadji wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:16 AM:

" "Can you imagine some agency deciding whether you're worthy of chemotherapy?" Isn't that what we have now? Don't most of us have to get pre-authorization from some faceless committee for anything out of the ordinary? "

That's exactly what I thought after reading the comment by Mr. Didreckson. Are people just not listening here or what? This healthcare plan is to help so these things DO NOT happen! Why aren't people listening? Well, they need to stop listening to the radio talk show entertainers and get their information from some other sources. "

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wtf wrote on Sep 10, 2009 12:42 PM:

" Saw this on channel 13 last night and this is what I (and Ron Paul) have been talking about: Medical Boutiques, or, put another way, old-fashioned health care where you have a "family" doctor and only have catastrophic insurance coverage for major medical, accidents and prescriptions.

The link below shows a group that's fairly local to our area; but in checking on the web, there are others that cost a bit more...this is because the doctors actually make house calls!

http://cbs13.com/video/?id=60036@kovr.dayport.com

Couple this with Ron Paul's idea of giving tax credits to people to cover their insurance premium costs and it would still probably be cheaper than what is being currently proposed. "

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dogs4you wrote on Sep 10, 2009 11:45 AM:

" hadji, as a member of Kaiser Permanente, the deciding factors are, my doctor and oncologist, there is no pre-authorization needed. A date is set and Chemotherapy is started. What ever Obama has in store for health care, I certinally hope he leaves Kaiser Permanente along, it`s not broke so don`t fix it. "

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lodi boy wrote on Sep 10, 2009 10:19 AM:

" TAKE A LOOK AT MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY.
They are both run by the government.

Last I heard, they weren't doing too good. How do we expect them to run public health care on a mass scale? I'm fine paying for my insurance, because I get the treatment I need/want. As opposed to doctor's who are going to do a one-size fits all plan. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 10, 2009 9:03 AM:

" Yes jramagic, and last night, those "oft-brainwashed naive pawns" were fawningly kowtowing to the leader of their cult, believing the lies. "

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jramagic wrote on Sep 10, 2009 8:34 AM:

" Pure xenophobia. Some justified, some orchestrated. Hysteria by some. Lots of influence from "powers that be" that might have that lordly status adjusted a bit. I support the challenge to reform the health care mess, however. Like Banking and Wall Street, it is out of control, suspect of corruption in its core, in dire need of reform...and the middle and lower classes are the predominant collateral damage....and the oft-brainwashed, naive pawns that are incited to fight the battle on the "street". Just like in War. Meanwhile, the super-rich benefactors pull the strings from a safe and unseen distance and collect the fare. "

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Cogito wrote on Sep 10, 2009 8:03 AM:

" Uncle Stinky, if these big bad insurance companies, like Blue Shield, are only worried about profits, why do you think that the person above, advocating Barry the Marxists ideals, happens to be the VP of an insurance company? What do you think Barry has in it for them if they're such bad guys? "

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nurse607 wrote on Sep 10, 2009 7:03 AM:

" This is not journalism.

This is standing in line at the Big M grocery store and asking people who can give the longest, most obfuscated, minsinformed, hateful viewpoint on the topic.

Shame on you, Lodi News-Sentinel, for not doing any real work on this story. Is it that difficult or time-consuming to do any real research? What about context? Fact-checking is too hard for you folks?

Your website is quickly becoming an irrelevant blog, not a legitimate news source. "

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bill1702 wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:41 AM:

" First there are not 43 million illegal’s in the United States. I would trust the government to make better decisions on healthcare than a company who wants to make a profit, just because Fox News states that the government will kill your grandma does not make it true.

Second many people in our community state that we are Christian nation. As a Christian I would rather help my fellow man than let him die on the street because I want to have enough money for a boat payment. I know what Joe Republican will say “They should get job if they want insurance”. Well my response is that there are many people who do jobs that I would never do who don’t have insurance because they can’t afford it. Unless you want to pay $20 an hour for somebody to clean your toilet or mow your lawn something needs to be done to help these people out. "

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uncle stinky wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:36 AM:

" Yes that is what we have now and all they care about is the profits of their company. Who do you think is fighting this. Some people are so stupid they do not know medicare comes from the government. "

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hadji wrote on Sep 10, 2009 6:16 AM:

" "Can you imagine some agency deciding whether you're worthy of chemotherapy?" Isn't that what we have now? Don't most of us have to get pre-authorization from some faceless committee for anything out of the ordinary? "

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