Yes, willing to pay more taxes. Our state just lowered property taxes all to heck and now we can't pay teachers, the roads are a mess, and they are cutting Medicaid benefits. There are some things we have to pay for, and if we don't want to pay for them, we can't have them. That is just the way it works. I get sick and tired of the Republicans who don't want to pay taxes and don't want any benefits for anyone. Except themselves of course, which they can get because they run all the corrupt businesses and banks who rip everybody off. Yes, they have Plenty of money for everything they want. And they sure don't want to help anyone else out.

IM willing to give up bail outs for banks and insureance companys .

I will be willing to give up disability for a full time job. I was diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis in the year 2000. I will be willing to drop the force labels from Society of a Person with Disability because I have Multiple Sclerosis. Nearly 46 million people in America are uninsured and millions are underinsured. This situation was done in a process of years which ignored those 46 million people in America thanks to labels of having a pre existing condition as Multiple Sclerosis. There is no cure to MS. Can you live with a condition like that? Can you take the pressure from society to write you off because of a pre existing condition? Reforming the current health system will require changes. Will society learn to accept others with disable conditions? Although heat exacerbates Multiple Sclerosis I am willing to work. Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic condition and MS cannot do without proper medical attention. What are you willing to give up?

I would like to see Congress and Senators not be allowed to vote on topics where there are conflicts of interest. If they benefit from pharmaceutical, hospital, or insurance companies, lobbyist, they should not be allowed to vote. Obama should put a law into place calling for full disclosure and not allow conflicts to exist.

We all should pay, that's what taxes are for. So, find some tax that all of us, poor and rich, pay. Even welfare recipients should have the cost deducted from their cash stipend. Where are the lawmakers, both democrat and republican, who voted to go to war and spend many more millions? Healthcare for Americans is not about the cost, it is a moral issue. As it stands now civilized countries look on us with disdain because we do not "care" for all people.

I am a liberal democrat now receiving Medicare. I would be on the streets if my husband and I were not covered by this wonderful medical plan. Why not offer that same plan to all citizens.

Why couldn't we do things that could help raise money for the uninsured as well as give our planet a break? i.e. – Is it possible for Americans to go a day or two a month without their lights on, still get billed an average cost, and have that money filtered into a fund? Just an idea.

Let those who feel like paying more in taxes, do it. As it is we have too many " programs" which enable the lazy to remain so.

If $250,000 for a small business owner is considered "rich" then no-i am not willing to give this reform my support. We have heard the unending question "how are we going to pay for it?" Could you cover a little bit more-what is in the proposals?! And without immigration reform-how can we proceed with healthcare?! what about all of the illegal immigrants or immigrants that are not yet citizens?! should the "rich" have to pay for them too?!

Last hour's CNN report displaying enormous taxes to be paid by the rich (earning more than $500,000) is very misleading and not really accurate. In fact, most wealthy taxpayers are skillful at avoiding much of those taxes through tax shelters and deductions. A better, more accurate, report would disclose what percentage, on average, these folks ACTUALLY PAY.

Anytime a program stands to benefit the majority of the population, the number one issue becomes cost. We do not hear huge debates about the cost of the wars and military budget, even though they far out weigh the cost of health care reform. I have seen far more debate about the cost of health care then the bailouts. The bailouts were far more expensive then health care reform, and went to a select few very rich people. CNN debates whether or not a this plan is unfair to the rich. How about the fact that those making over 100,000 do not pay Social Security tax after 100,000 while the working class pays SS on 100% of its income.

Also can we least have a discussion on the health care plans. I hate these strategy stories. I judge a new's story on how much I learn from it. I have trouble getting any information on health care proposals. Give us the details of the plans, not political strategy. CNN give us the facts, not what "the president hs to do to convince republicans". We rely on the news networks to inform us on issues. Stop the gossip garbage stories, and give us something we can learn from.

I would be willing to give up my big 60-inch TV, my Escalade, my Cadillac, my Lexus, my cigarettes, my alcohol, my illicit drugs, my tattoos, my Showtime, my HBO, my expensive clothing, my expensive shoes, my gym membership, my IPod, my cell phone, etc. Oh, let's see, I don't have any of these things, so I am able to pay for my mortgage, my utilities, my food, my health care, etc.

WILLING TO GIVE UP SATURDAY MAIL DELIVERY; WILLING TO PUT LIMITS ON SUITS AGAINST DOCTORS

Well Tony, the way I see it is its time for the country to eat its vegitables. I think, if we hunker down we can eat a higher tax increase for full coverage. The problem is we just don't want to. But like all things in the world its better to pay a big fee upfront than extend the problem and end up paying even higher in the long run. This is health care. Everybody will benefit from it. So, lets everybody pay a little more for it.

I'm not willing to give up anything but with this new plan I'm afraid I will have to give up everything. Welcome to the new socialist USA.

Absolutely nothing!!! Politically correct, who cares. Been giving up my retired military benefits for years, lets let Congress give something like retirements, health perks etc. Bob

I'm a teacher and we give a free education to all children. I would pay higher federal taxes to help with free health care–IF my state (Iowa) would adjust its exorbitant tax rates.

I'll give up horrendous Insurance company profits. HUge CEO salaries, and overhead way way over Medicare. In addition I'll give up lobbyists buying politicians and my health care being slave to the highest bidder. I'll give up Republican messages from the Scaryland Amusement Park. In exchange I'll take a sensible single payer public option thank you very much.

I shouldn't be willing to give up anything. Being self employed, it's hard enough as it is. As long as the government has people will to give or give up, they are going to be taking.

We shouldn't be discussing what to give up, but how to become more efficient. Name something well managed by the government?

I personally do not believe everyone deserves free health care. Why are we punishing those who work hard and rewarding those who do not? What ever happened to earning what you have? I'm 28 years old, and now that I think about it, I'd like to give up social security. It's not going to be there when I could need it.

I am willing to give up – nothing. cost savings via the likes of tort reform and technology should pay for the cost.

I would be willing to pay higher taxes. I've been blessed to be able to help others. I think part of what makes America great is that we rally around each other during difficult times. I'd like to think that if the shoe was on the other foot, someone would be there to help me, especially with something as important as health care.

Tony,
This is too important. I am 27 years old and have been in both situations when it comes to being covered and not having health care. I right now have the best health care you can get, but I am willing to do whatever it takes. This isn't a money issue. This is a moral issue. I wish everyone saw it as a moral issue because if they did this reform would of passed years ago.

Tony,

There are ONLY three groups i am willing to give up any of my hard earned resources for:

1. Elderly
2. Children
3. Disabled

If you are not in any of these groups you should be ashamed of yourself for asking ANYBODY for ANYTHING...

I'm not willing to give up anything. Assisting others with healthcare is NOT my responsibility. Taking care of myself and my family is. I do NOT expect the Goverment to take care of me and those that do sicken me.

In order to pass this much needed legislation NOW, I would be willing to pay more taxes or belong to a government sponsored plan in order to help out the people without insurance, espicially those who have been laid off from their jobs and cannot afford to pay for Cobra.

Tony, I am a medical student here in Texas and I am willing to give up part of my future salary. I am in medicine because I want to help and serve people not because I want to be rich. I am willing to accept a lower salary in order to help provide everyone in this country with quality healthcare.

Give up more? You must be kidding. The problem is not that 'greedy rich people' refuse to help those less fortunate – the problem lies in the left's statement that health care is a 'right.' It is not (I will stand to be corrected if you can find that 'right' in the US Constitution.

The fact the governement got involved in the health industry in the first place was unconsitutional and we are now facing the unintended consequences of the 'feel good' generation of the 60s.

There should be a government sponsored health insurance plan option for persons like myself who are self employer, and also for those who work at jobs where their employer does not offer any health insurance plan. One of the primary reasons that costs are so high is that there are over 46 million uninsured in this country, and care that is provided to these people at less than market rates cause costs to rise in order for providers to cover their costs. People who work for a living should have access to affordable health care coverage.

Additionally, the primary drivers of high health care costs – administrative costs and pharmaceutical costs – are not addressed at all in any of these proposals. Insurance company executive compensation should be severely limited, and pharmaceutical costs should be limited by government regulation so that price gouging of consumers at the pharmacy comes to an end. People should not have to choose between paying rent or buying food and paying for their needed prescription drugs.

I think the question that would help put this in perspective is: "What are you willing to give up not to spend many of your waking hours worrying about your own health care and that of your family since many of us are only a little away from losing our job at any given time.?" Additionally, we can cover those who are uninsured or underinsured. It is for ALL of us!!!!

The truth is, even if you are middle class, you have no security. Gotta go. One of the unemployed off to another interview!

I would give up anything asked. Right now I haven't had a full time job since Bush took office. Please please please tax my new job at 50%.
I need health care. I'm someones son. I can't afford a family nor even a home. I owe $14,000 on a ten thousand dollar education that has not helped me get work. What do you want me to give up? I will.

Tony, if I made more than 200,000 I would be willing to give half of it up if it could help the whole nation be health-insured. What the wealthy do not realize is that a lot of our current woes are due to an unhealthy nation. Sick fathers who have to stop working because of poor health, lose the family home, get on welfare, children get sick and die of diseases that could have been treated if caught on time, etc. It is a snowball effect. While the wealthy are wondering whether new taxes will prevent the acquisition of the family yacht, poor people are dying daily. National Health Care is an absolute necessity not fodder for political banter.

Tony,

I am willing to pay more taxes, but there needs to be a limit on the number of high tech exams doctors can preform. There are great doctors out there who don't depend on machines to tell them what is wrong or how to deal with someones illness. Those doctors, in my opinion are the best physicians.

I am a retiree. I am quite willing to pay more for my Medicare Part B if in some way that would assist others to be insured. I am also willing to pay higher income taxes. I think it is unconscionable that many in this country can for selfish reasons continue to leave millions uninsured or under-insured.

I live in Hamilton Ontario Canada-Our health care plan here in Canada is great-we pay for it through our taxes-it is not excessive-I know that if something happend to me or my family we would be taken care of. I certainly wouldn't want to be living under your system of health care. You need to adopt a Canadian style of health care!!!

Being a dual citizen, Canadian-American, who had two operations in Canada with no problems, I would like all myy fellow Americans to have government health care.
Yes, I would approve taxes going back up to the levels they were when Reagan was President to pay for it.

I have no problem paying taxes for things that the government has a legitimate right to do, but I would have a serious problem paying taxes to cover other people's health care. If people would learn to be financially responsible, and budget for things like annual check-ups with a family doctor rather than expecting their insurance to cover absolutely everything, we wouldn't be in this mess. Instead, all the poor and middle-class of this country expect the government to take care of them using lots of money from the rich.

I'm will to give up rich people's money.....tons of it.

It's what you have left that counts, not how much you pay.

Tony, I believe that it is crucial that every American has access to affordable health care that allows people to have regular, preventive care instead of only being able to obtain emergency care.

I would be willing to pay higher taxes. I am fortunate to have coverage through my employer. I would not mind paying higher taxes or being taxed on my health care benefits.

I find it reprehensible that the very lawmakers we have elected do not care enough about their constituencies to genuinely work toward a feasible national insurance system. After all,THEY receive health insurance AND a salary for the rest of their lives, even if they have served only 1 term!!!
Yes, I would be willing to be taxed for health insurance. Surely it would be less than the $780/month I pay now for me and my husband, and that's with a $2500 deductible for each of us.

What about adding and extra 50 cents onto ATM fees that would go towards health care costs? It would add up and nobody would really blink at a 50 cents increase. Also if the banks could match that 50 cents, it would help with the cost of health care, and they would be paying back their bailouts.

I think we as Americans shouldn't have to give up anything. If this health care reform passes, the economy will fall to the ground. Many people opt out on health care why force them. It is going to be more difficult for people to recieve the care they actually need. The United States of America is moving toward a tyrannical government. Congress don't have to worry about health care they already get free health care.

Why give up? We are already paying for everyone's health care. What the new plan would be is that everyone would pay something. All business would pay something. The only one's that would suffer is the highly paid CEO's , that money would be put into the health care pot instead. Health care was not always on Wall Street and it should not be there now. Regards Anne

I agree with the previous poster, we ALL should contribute to OUR healthcare, not just "rich" people.

When we all pay for things, we appreciate them more. We should all pay the same percentage from our income to pay for healthcare, even if someone makes minimum wage. No one should be allowed a free ride.

I'm a conservative democrat who grew up poor (now middle class) and I watched my family members abuse the welfare system. No more! If they had contributed, they would not have abused a system that was not designed for someone to be on for 30 or 40 years!

Who says we have to give up something? Maybe higher taxes on the rich, but maybe all will save money by lowered premiums as no one has to use the ER for general healthcare!!! I am willing to give up what costs the US so much– end of life crazy treatments! When a 85-year-old has metastasized cancer, there is no need to spend any money on surgery (or whatnot) to extend the life 6 mo in pain; if that was me, I'd be happy with hospice care to die without crazy treatments.

Since I haven't had ANY access to healthcare since 2005, I'd be

*giving up my lack of preventive health care ... so for sure I'm in favor of universal healthcare. I watched my sister and mother each die from lack of access to healthcare.

*giving up worry about doing chores, like cleaning my roof, for fear of falling, breaking a leg, and not being able to go to a hospital.
*fear of losing my home.

Employers here find any way possible to hire workers and NOT insure them. Even the state gov't favors OPS workers and they are NOT insured, nor do they have other benefits. Lots of hard working people here with NO HEALTH INSURANCE and pay so low it is difficult to pay day-to-day bills.

I'm not willing to give up anything (not one dime) to provide health care insurance for illegal aliens. I'm not willing to give up anything for this current health care insurance fiasco – not until the true makeup of the 45+ million so-called uninsured is acknowledged (there are really more like 16+ million that want to be insured and are truly uninsured). When you consider the 16+ million and the 1-2 trillion dollar cost it makes no sense. It would be cheaper to simply buy them health insurance policies. If the United States creates a government-run health care system, it will mean the end of private health care insurance.

I am willing to give up a system where doctors make 5 million dollars a year. I think a doctor in England making 500 thousand dollars is compensated well enough for all those hard years in medical school. That medical education was supposed to be for helping the sick, not helping him or herself. I am willing to give up obscenely lucrative HMOs that reward doctors who deny expensive care and fire doctors who try to help their patients. I am willing to give up the most expensive healthcare system on earth and trade it for one that does not leave us at about 30th in terms of infant mortality and life expectancy. We are definitely not getting what we pay for. I am willing to give up being ripped off.

I am willing to give up a little for the benifit of the whole. That infact has been the American way. We continue to hide from taxes but we complain about roads, the failing education system, and the lack of available jobs but we fail to contribute to the solution (investments)

Tony.....all Americans should do their amount. From the homeless american to Bill Gates. It isn't about taxing anyone.......which seems to be gov'ts way out of EVERYTHING........its about setting up a program, and doing it.

If our gov't is so powerful, why don't they stipulate the coverage they want and tell the insurance companys they're going to accept it. WHY ASK THE INSURANCE COMPANYS to say okay to anything.............they need to do their part too.

Oh and another way is to STOP giving millions in bonuses to executives.............give them a few thousand dollars for doing a good job, and give the rest of their bonus to health care..............

We the people of the people and for the people, right ??

I have many family members who are receiving health benefits from the government. Most of them don't work because they claim that they can get more money by staying poor. A few of them claim that their spouses left them so they can collect. A few of them are children of parents that are in the system and they get pregnant and know they are in the system. These people are the worst in taking care of their health yet they demand the best care. If you allow the whole country to operate by a government managed health care we are Fu@&. We all know that the government is the worst in running any business (i.e. Department of motor vehicles). Most of you Obanana koolaid drinkers are a bunch of morans who don't understand how people take advantage of anything that is free.

I am willing to give up the unnecessary and immoral wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the hundreds of billions of dollars in foreign aid that are bankrupting our nation. Eliminating those things will go a long way towards paying for a long overdue national health care system for our citizens.

I think all HC plans should have high deductibles. Many of the issues (highlighted by objectors to a single payer system) exist with the current system.. rationing, refused claims, limited access to drugs, etc. We have a chronically sick family member and know this as fact. I think a high deductible system will curb superfluous and unnecessary use of any system because it's 'free'. So I would give up a low deductible system and move to a high deductible system.

I am not willing to give up anything. We are paying an excessive price to heal the uninsured now. We have already have universal health care but it is just that part of it is hidden costs. We need to eliminate profiteering and put the real costs upfront.
I have lived in other countries; and from personal experience I find the health care in the US is the worst in the developed world, please don't believe the hype.
By the way, would someone please identify that so called Canadian women who claims she would have died from a brain tumor. Until we know her name, where she lives (she could be a US resident) and the circumstance of her treatment (the Canadian system could have paid for this) it is just false advertising. I hope CNN has a team on it already.

If I say this often enough someone might listen.

A 1/2% to 1% national tax on everything but food & supplements would pay for a wonderful healthcare plan. But first, the profit motive must be removed from healthcare.

Aren't we already paying for state medical with our tax dollars? Don't we have free medical for all people & the illegals who sneak across the borders to receive welfare, food stamps & everything else? Why should we give up more when the money from medicare is being wasted under govn. control? The news report yesterday told about the price of the wheelchair. I have seen it with oxygen units etc. myself. Here is a wholesale market group where companies can rip off prices legally with no control. So now we are asked to give up for more rip off?? NO! Medicare is regulated for surgeries & procedures so why not more common sense in these fees? The same with drugs – a bulk buying power with no caps. People work now until June to pay taxes and still we are wanting for more? If we give the govn. our entire paychecks, will they then be happy and take full control of our welfare? They seem to be too busy wasting and lining their pockets and asking us what more we will give.

I'm willing to live in a smaller home, travel less frequently, own fewer articles of clothing, go out to fewer restaurant dinners, and see less movies, subscribe to fewer premium channels, etc., etc., etc., and sacrafice and pay what we must to achieve equity in healthcare, education, and security.

I think that proportioned to our income we should pay higher taxes in order for everyone to have healthcare. If one of the reasons that healthcare premiums are so outrageous is that doctors and hospitals treat people with no coverage, then everyone having coverage may actually have a positive impact on the premiums.

Mark
California

I would give up my tax dollars, choice of doctor, and the current ineffectual system for one that gave the appropriate, basic coverage to all Americans and visitors. I would not give up my right to choose private care, but their must be a more even, more competitive playing field.

I am one of those people that have no health insurance. I would be more than willing to pay my fair share for health insurance but am a 62 year old woman with a past history or cancer so when I apply the cost is just too much for me to pay or they will not insure me at all. I would give up a portion of my pension to pay if the cost was anywhere near the price I could pay. The republicans have lost my vote forever since I have seen how they do not want to help solve this problem they fight everything that is put in front of them with no solutions for the problem. Until this election I was a registered republican but see to them it is more about politics than the people so they will never receive a vote from me until that changes.

Tony, as a retired person with good health care insurance and a steady pension income, I would be willing to pay higher taxes and pay more "out-of-pocket" for my health care if it can help those who don't have any options. It's about time someone in the media posed the question you did to us. In these complex and difficult times, it is important that we work together if the future is going to be better for all of us.....not just those who "have it made." A population that is better cared for with preventive medicine and routine check-ups will probably be better able to work, pay taxes and be contributors to society's resources instead of just consumers of them. It's time for a shift in our collective consciousness from "what's in it for me" to "what can I do to help?"

That's the crux of the question for the public, isn't it? Personally, I would be willing to pay more taxes, with the assumption that the raise would not be that significant. Considering the number of people who would pay the tax, it seems that the tax increase would be minimal. would we be willing to pay $5 a year or $10 a year to help those who need healthcare but can't get it?
In a democratic society, it is time for the public to return to the principles of the Declaration of Independence and consider all of the people and the public good, and not just focus on self-interest. That's not an easy thing to do for most Americans.
I think need to modernize the system and eliminate inefficiency and waste. It is a broken system. But I am concerned about the cost and about a government-run option. Has anyone proposed a test program for the government-run option?
Give up coverage? No. At the current cost of healthcare, that's not an option for me.
So the tax option seems to be best, with perhaps a promise to roll back the tax once the government gets the system under control. As badly as the system needs reform, the government needs to be held accountable.

I hate to sound unsympathetic, but until our government stops illegal immigration and stops providing the 8M to 20M illegal immigrants with FREE healthcare, I am NOT willing to give up anything. Not to mention, if one supports pro-life, the 14th ammendment concerning "sand babies" doesn't apply if a pregnant woman crosses illegally into our country; that fetus would be another person; hence, two people are crossing illegally.

I am willing to pay higher taxes, and also switch to a government run health plan. The government runs schools, police, fire, gives us clean drinking water, build good roads and highway systems, Medicare, social security, veteran's health care, parks etc..... these are all government run programs and they all work very well. I am ready for a government run health care program. Are the private health care providers scared of a little competition? Isn't competition what capitalism is all about?

I am perfectly willing to pay higher taxes in order to fund a quality public option for health care. Our current for-profit health care system is a disaster. It's inefficient, ineffective, and not serving the needs of millions of Americans who are uninsured. The Republicans are little more than lapdogs to the insurance industry on this issue and for most Americans its becoming apparent that they have no viable alternative to offer at this point. They keep repeating the mantra being fed to them by their industry masters and for those of us paying close attention it's quite clear that their plan is little more than more of the same.

Every one of our elected officials should be willing to give up the special perks that they get as members of an elite class and swim in the same pond with the rest of us...

This is everyone's responsibility. Yes, I'll pay more taxes. I'd prefer a Single Payer System, but at least there should be a government option. Health care should be a right, not a privilege.These big companies shouldn't be making money off of healthy people and then refusing to pay for sick people. I, myself, am an agnostic. But I still believe in being "my brother's keeper". What's wrong with all of those religious people out there who can't find it in their hearts to pay for those less fortunate than themselves?

I'm not willing to give up anything or pay higher taxes. My wife and I are retired and it has already become very expensive to maintain the level of health care that we have. Perscription drugs keep increasing and this is a major problem. All our every day costs keep rising and my concern now is that we will live long enough to go broke.

Americans are a selfish and arrogant people they will not give up something to help their fellow man. Their are always rare exceptions. But think about it, the debate on the right is that we should not have universal health care because of high cost and the fact that is may lower the quality of health care that upper and middle class Americans receive. That translates to "to hell with the poor they don't need health care".

I am 21 and senior at Georgia State, Accounting major and come from a poor family, I haven't seen a doctor in two years because of lack of health care.

I agree with "J" . I would be very intrested in which congress men recieve monies from lobbist who work for insurance companies ect. I would definitly pay more taxes to get a better health care in place. Or pay into to a fund each month to help pay for it.

Willing to give up my copays, preexisting conditions, 60% of all bankruptcies caused by medical costs. I am willing to give up the CEO's and large share holders who get rich from denying cancer patients coverage. I am will to give up the corporate bureaucrats who decide what service I can get instead of my doctor. I am willing to give up the most expesive inefficient health care system in the world.

I want a choice in my health care. I want a strong public option.

Eliminate wasteful spending and corruption at state and federal level and you will be surprised how much money will be found. I would only agree to higher taxes if it is applied across the board.

Nationalized healthcare coverage have been shown to work for simple care... when specialized care is required, examples from countries around the world show that significant delays and poor care is provides.

I personally do not believe the insured will be giving up very much.
My wife and I are diabetics, with heart issues. I underwent open heart surgery just over a year ago.
My insurers are raping us...between premiums and deductibles, etc. our minimum output for medical expenses exceed $ 30,000 yearly.
Essentially my first $ 50,000 of AGI goes to medical.
Many of the 45 million uninsured can receive medical attention at no cost to them..Who do you think pays for them.
Certainly if an uninsured suffers a heart attack he is not left at the hospital door and told to die....he is treated.
As for better care for insureds...it's a "croc of..."because Insurers continually find ways not to pay...CONTROL IS NEEDED

I'm willing to give a lot to get our people covered, with quality of service being my primary holdout. The problem I have, and I hear this from others, as well, is that we can't "see" what is being proposed.

We really need a good graphic, like a balance sheet that we can understand. It needs to be easy to understand and it needs to be visibly keyed to the 10-year window we've heard about. On one side, show us the cost ranges for options being considered. On the other side, show us the options of how we might pay for the whole thing through both new sources of income and waste reduction savings. For instance, we hear some income will come from electronic records improvements. That's a cost reduction (as well as a quality issue). But what range of cost reduction are we talking about? We hear an option for taxing our employer-provided health insurance. But what percentage of taxation would that be, and, given how much employers contribute, nationally, based on ranges of income, what range of $ increase are we looking at? No one can keep up with this kind of discussion unless we can all see what we're talking about.

I would give up anything to make sure that we all have access to affordable and adequate medical coverage. I am one of the many, MANY people in this country that do not have medical insurance. We have THOUSANDS of dollars in medical debt because of not being able to afford coverage.

So would I pay higher taxes? Definitely. Join a government ran plan? You bet. Have less generous coverage? Without a doubt. Because LIFE is much more important than any amount of money, in my book at least. I wish I could say the same for those trying to shoot down this proposal.

My family has basically given up the idea of achieving our "American Dream" because of debt due to a lack of affordable medical coverage. So we are ready and willing to give up whatever else it takes to protect our family and the other citizens of this nation from suffering anymore than we already have... both physically and financially.

healthcare is not a right. I am not willing to give anymore of my money to the government for another government run program. historically the government does not run anything very well. they create a giant bureaucracy that costs billions. we need healthcare reform: eliminate frivolous lawsuits, fraudulent claims, etc. look at other nations you do not want the government to provide your healthcare. it will be slower, you will loose control of choice, they will pick what care you need, it will be a mess. the constitution mandates a small federal government, this just another case for larger government...

Although my wife and I together make far less than $250K, we would be willing to pay more in "visible" taxes to off-set the "invisible" tax we currently pay in higher health care costs to pay for those who get care through crowded emergeny rooms. If this is what it takes to make it happen, so be it... and it makes little difference to us whether the tax is on medical benefits now tax free, or in the form of a surcharge.

Would we be willing to accept coverage provided through a "public opion" government plan? Yes. We have seen how well universal health care works for the people in European countries. The opposition to health care reform, we think, is making much too much out of the Canadian system being so poor. It isn't.

Good Morning Tony,
What are we willing to give up?Tony thats very difficult to agree to give up much of anything!When there are organizations such as World Vision International have been accused of stealing much of the donations given to them and credit card companies playing games with the very consumers that have paid thier salaries, its becoming very difficult to contribute to anything other than physcially volunteering!
We must first rebuild trust in this nation and then possibly we can have a mosre giving spirt!
Have a wonderful day!
Cory

I would be willing to give up nothing. I have good healthcare and I should not have to sacrifice the quality of it to pay for others healthcare. If everyone in America would just learn to take care of themselves, to have some self pride and work for what they need, then we would not need to make the rich make up for the short fallings of the poor.

I believe that in order to save the country money, it is not by raising taxes, and not by taking away the things communities need the most.

We are in financial termoil. And yet our president is out flying around the world. The money used for his private jet and such could be used to fix the damaged roads, pay for the books and teachers needed. Also, if congress would cut the salary of the president just by a little, that money could also go towards reversing America's debt. If the president is truely interested in the well-being of the country, he would not mind the minor cuts, sort of like the minor cuts he has made to the communities in America.

If he says that he cares about the country, then he too, will not mind making a sacrifice.

I am 17 years old, and this is my opinion.

Tax My Soda Please! I agree with a sweet surcharge as it is something that will impact all classes and income levels. Moreover, it will encourage wellness as people that consume too much of those items may choose not to do so.

Personally, I would not switch to public health insurance as the physicians that I use do not accept government insurance...they only accept elite private insurance. I'm fortunate enough to be able to afford the cost of private insurance, but it is critical that all Americans have access to some form of insurance. I've worked with part-time workers who are uninsured and they tend to play Russian Roulette with their health...skipping mammograms, annual physicals and medical visits for acute illnesses. These friends tend to wait until the situation is critical and wind up in the ER where it is well known that one can get care and the government will pick up the tab if the patient can't pay it.

I would also like to know why any post that is critical of CNN's coverage is not posted. Come on CNN be more democratic. Stop telling us you want to hear what we have to say, if you won't publish our criticism.

I am retired and my wife and I do not earn over $250,000 per year. We are in our early 60's so do not yet qualify for Medicare and pay just over 1300 per month for medical insurance which comes to over $15,000 per year. We feel fortunate, however, that we can afford that and still maintain a comfortable life style. Having said that we worry about our children and grandchildren. Becuase of that we would have no problems paying more in taxes so they can receive the security of knowing they will not lose insurance if they have a health crisis, lose their job, or change jobs, etc.

Health care is not free, we all need to pay our share, but consider for a moment that the United States already spends more on health care than any other nation on Earth - approximately 13.7% of our GDP, compared to Germany (10.8%), Canada (9.4%), France (9.4%), Iceland (9.2%), Spain (7.5%), and the United Kingdom (7.5%), yet we rank 37th in the world, behind France (1), Spain (7), United Kingdom (18), and Canada (30) in quality of health care. Our infant mortality rate (6.3) is higher than Cuba (5.1), Canada (4.8), France (4.2), or Iceland (2.9), and our life-expectancy ranks 45, behind Bosnia and Herzegovina (42), the United Kingdom (37), Austria (25), Spain (19), and France (8).

We need true health reform, and it is going to cost each of us to get it.
The problem is that Congress wants to add another costly program to the already existing hodgepodge of programs they have created over the years.... programs that cost us nearly a trillion-dollars a year, yet leave more than 42 million uninsured, and another 55-million underinsured.

The only way out of this mess is to get Congress, and the President, to go for a single-payer, comprehensive health plan that covers every citizen from the moment of conception through ultimate dead. Representative Marty Russo offered such a plan in 1988, that would have required each of us to pay a 15-percent surcharge on our annual federal income tax. In exchange, everyone was covered and would have paid a $15 copay for doctor's visits, prescription drugs, and hospital stays.

Bottom line is that we need to get rid of all of the existing health programs, replacing them with a single-payer program that covers everyone, while allowing us to continue to chose our doctors, pharmacies, and hospitals.

I'm willing to give up the $1000 monthly premium for a health plan that is no better than it was when it was $700 a month just last year. I'm willing to give up the bickering that is going on in Washington about getting all American's insured.

What I'm willing to do is to pay into a plan that is sensible, fair, honest, and not profit driven. I'd gladly pay a monthly or yearly premium on my health care that would leave me with some spending money each month.

Health care is bigger than a political party. It is a need every American has that transends bickering. It is bigger than who should be in power in three years.

my husband and I are both currently employed in medical sales and we earn combined between $220,000 and $250,000. We will be sacrificing more than others because as health care becomes cheaper we will make less in commisions and because we are in the top 5% of wage earners we will also bear the brunt of the tax increases. I want a public option for health care. I believe in sacrifice for a good cause. I think this is a great cause (a public health care option.) I am sick and tired of special interests (HMO's, Pharma, hospitals and the like) politicizing this issue and trying to scare everybody.

Why is that if we need billions for a war to go kill a bunch of people in some far off land, all the special interests are in. But, if we want to help the sick in our own country all the special interests are out?

I guess the biggest hold up on thsi health care reform is the fluxuating numbers the govn says it will cost. the tax was to fall on people earning anywhere from $100,000 to now $1 million and cost somewhere between $1.2 trillion and now $3.5 trillion. Just a few dollars difference is all plus or minus $10!

Dear Tony, Have you not looked at your car insurance – we're already paying for under insured without being asked. It follows that we are probably already paying for the non and under insured in the health insurance also. I wonder who these people are who recieve this benefit,. My son-in-law's mother who owns a small diner cannot afford health insurance for herself. Also my daughter and son-in-law who recently got married and still have a year of college left have no health insurance either. How about taking off illegals from insurance roles first. How about a flat tax rate for everyone. And by the way we do pay more because we pay when the afore mentioned family members can't.

What are you willing to give up? In order to provide socialized medicine. I guess that would be my freedom to choose. Not a question I would have expected to be asked in a free society.

I have probably the most generous health plan around as a retired govenment worker. My wife now quite elderly have many doctor visits. So I am not willing to give up the security our plan provides. However, I am very willing to pay more money for health. I am a Democrat, I very much liked the Bush medical plan that paid for routine care and very expensive but rare treat.ments.I believe that the plight of the uninsured and underinsured will require sacrifices from humanitarian impulses and also because a healthier population will increase our GNP.

I would also be very willing to accept a surcharge or additional income taxes, though our income is under $50,000
John D. McCall

I not willing to give up anything. I don't want health care reform or anything else for this government.

Tony, I graduated this past May from college, and am now finding myself in a pile of debt. I am stuck in a horrible job market, and because I am 23 , I have been dropped from my parents health care coverage. I think I can speak for all recent college grads by saying that we feel lost and confused as to where to go and what to do in these tough economic times. Having no health coverage, also doesn't help this feeling of uneasiness.
So, would I pay a bit more in taxes each month so that I could have some sort of health coverage?? Let me think....no health care....a small tax and coverage....I think I'm going to have to go with a small tax to be ensured. If it's a tax...I would also feel good in knowing that I am contributing to my fellow Americans well being. I think the only people having trouble with this issue right now are the well off, and those with the $ to be well ensured.

Charity begins at home and spreads abroad. Stop spending millions and billions on war. As Americans we should embrace the concept of affordable healthcare for everyone. I would support a plan that provides for a more equitable distribution of tax burden so that everybody contributes according to their income. What happened to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. How are you able to achieve this if you do not have access to healthcare.
We have a President, LET HIM LEAD THE COUNTRY. I AM SICK OF POLITICAL AGENDAS.

These are the things I would be willing to give up for a government sponsored health plan:
1) I would be willing to give up THE NATIONAL DEBT. If we didn't have one we would have enough money to afford a government sponsored health care plan.
2) UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT. If everyone was given a trade before they graduated from high school we wouldn't have unemployment and underemployment. People would pay more taxes because their incomes would go up to a higher tax bracket.
3) VIOLATION OF MY CIVIL RIGHTS

give up, i dont think that higher taxes is giving things up first of all second of all i think every ones confused, the idea of this is to get better health care for all how is giving up coverage helpful. if a doctor deems a procedure neccassary it needs to be given. if the goverment gives starts telling us we cant have things what good does that do for the person, ive watched the news all morning on three diiferent channels and im appalled by some of the things ive heard. fox was the worst i quote IF THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO SAY YOU CAN ONLY HAVE FIVE MRI'S TO SAVE COST THEN SO BE IT. when did someones life get a price tag ive been brough up and taught in school that life is priceless. another thing is how are they gonna make sure the government dosnt steal my heath money like they've stolen my ss money. many things have been brought to the table but nothing has been exsplained to the people if there going to spend trilions on this i think have the right to know what im getting out of it. third and finally you said sothing about a family that makes 5.1 million a year and they pay 500 thousand or so in taxs now after g.w's taxs exspire they'll pay 50 thousand more and with obamas heath cost the 9 thousand more. so after that they make 4.1 million not bad for a year. mean while i make $10,000 last year they take 3 out and exspect me to feel sorry for the person that pays that. i pay 30 percent and they complain about me wanting to be healthy.

Has anyone thought of a scaled system where unemployed pay nothing and every uninsured who earns under say $40k pays 1-3% a month . Uninsured between $40k & $60K pay 2-4% a month. over $60K should pay 4-5% a month depending on family size.
Under those rules everyone pays something if they opt in. and pay nothing if they opt out. Run it through the Child/Family health plus system since it exists now and is set up for things like that anyway.
The rich shouldn't have to be hit for the expenses of others, most of them have worked hard for their money. BUT If the rich like living in an America without walls and roving bands of sick, poor and hungry peasants seeking to drag them to the guillotines they should be willing to give up an extra 1/2 percent.

Im willing to give my yearly income taxe return to have a goverment subsidize health care plan

My wife and I are now on medicare and this has proven to be excellent coverage. So we are concerned about our children and grandchildren who struggle remain insured while tapdancing on the trap door of disaster in this economy. The current private system is crazy and designed to reward investors, not support medical patients. I think everyone should pay something in the form of taxes for universal coverage. This should be progressive with those making over $250,000 paying a much higher rate of increase. But, everyone should be paying something to expand coverage as everyone will benefit.

I have worked in government and for a large private insurance company during my working years. I would much prefer dealing with a govt. bureaucrat than a private insurance gatekeeper when I need care. I have seen how both operate as a worker and as a customer.

What am I willing to give up? I moved to Europe 10 years ago and gave up the insecurity of the healthcare system here.

I have choice of doctors, the right to a second opinion, and the law states that if I do not receive my appointment to a specialist within 60 days, the system must send me to private care and pay for it in full. I have waited maybe 4 weeks max to see a specialist. If it were an emergency, all I have to do is go to the emergency room.

So, all of this negative publicity is baffling to me. I have peace of mind that my family and I will get the care needed and never have to lose our home. If we lose our job, we have the peace of mind that we have medical care.

So, what have I lost? Nothing. I have gained peace of mind and security and receive quality care like everyone else. Medical care is a right, not a privelege.

P.S. President Obama's team has looked into the healthcare system where I currently live to see what can be taken back to America. I am traditionally a conservative but living abroad has opened my eyes to certain lacks in the American society.

I am willing to give up the waste, red tape, and policies that drives up the costs. e.g. yesterday, they ran an example on wheel chairs. I have an example with the cost of my prescription for asthma inhaler. The generic, in 2008 which cost ~$7 was taken off the market and replaced with a brand named version Pro-Air/Proventil. The FDA and drug companies agreed and now every insurance company, government agency and person with Asthma is paying $40+ per prescription. This kind of cost increases/abuse of consumers has to stop.

Stop wasting money and perhaps you can add more people to the roles. I'd also like to see a 60-90 day test pilot first i.e. one state, before the government goes full board and makes a huge mistake.

I would be willing to pay more in tax to support ONLY a government run health care plan where efficiences in health care are mandated along with incentives for the insured to take better care of themselves. I am opposed to subsidising for profit health insurers with taxpayer funds.

I lived in Japan in the past which like many nations has nationalized health care. I went to the doctor and hospital a few times and can say, their level and ease of care make the US look 3rd world. Whenever I see the commercials by interest groups saying how long you will have to wait for care I have to laugh. The secret is you actually have to wait here longer. Ever gone to the "emergency" room without blood spluttering our of your neck? You will be there for hours. My wife went recently, 5 hours. When I went to the hospital in Japan I think I was in and out in 45 minutes with medication in hand - no need to make a trip to the drug store after hospital. Of course sometimes people will have to wait longer, but both of my experiences where very good with doctors who actually cared and used their brains to figure out what was wrong, not just what I was saying was bothering me.

The only reason why we do not actually have the best rate care we like tell ourselves we have is too much money against it and politicians with their hands our.

Not having nationalized care costs our citizens and companies much more than if we had it and paid a single payer. Single payer system has the potential to drive down costs - which is exactly why insurance companies, pharma, large hospital companies, etc do not want it. Also, need to have legal reform to go with it so doctors and care givers do not have to worry every second about being sued for anything they do.

Love your show. I watch you daily.

Tough question. I'm guessing the "haves" won't be willing to give up anything while the "have nots" don't even have insurance coverage. Patients shouldn't have to wait to see doctors esp. in the case of progressive diseases such as cancer. A long wait could mean the difference in surviving the disease.

I would give up a "cushy" hospital and/or lengthier hospital visit. For instance, rather than Northwestern Hospital (Chicago) I'd be required to visit Cook Cty or a clinic-type of facility as long as I could get care within a reasonable time frame relative to diagnostic or surgical necessity.

Ex: If I had a sinus infection I would be seen later than a patient with an aggressive tumor or a critical care case (bullet wound, broken bones, etc.).

Like President Obama said – It's not about bringing him down but rather about the masses affected. Unfortunately, nothing has changed.

I was laid off 12/09 after 19 years of administrative service in the banking industry. Having worked with multi-millionares, I see both sides of the issue. I write about this issue on my website as well.

It boils down to character, ethics and doing the "right thing." It's unlikely the wealthy or entitled will be willing to give up anything; that's why they're wealthy. They didn't get that way by giving things up to help others or by being a "nice guy."

i am not willing to give up anything. If the dems want to pay for this, tell them to find the money by cutting some of their frivolous programs. I live in New Jersey and already pay some of the highest property taxes in the country. Heath care is not a right, it is a privelage. What happened to hard work in this country? When my grandparents came here they were not handed health benefits, food or a roof over there head. They worked for it all. If we want to make this country strong again we have to get back to those basic fundamentals.

Tony,

People make me sick

To bad I don't have health coverage

and some of these comments are making me even more sick..especially those that ooze with selfish idiocy

Tony, I would be willing to give up just about anything to help out the 46 million Americans that are uninsured.

There was talk about taxing soft drinks, candy, and other "foods" that aren't healthy. Why not? First of all, we know that these items aren't good for us, yet we constantly pay for them.

If a tax on these items which we take for granted will help those who need insurance then I say why not.

Let's be honest, we all dislike paying taxes, but we as a nation need to look in the mirror and honestly say that we don't think that it's horrible in this day and age, that the most prosperous nation in the world allows 46 million people to go without insurance.

So, if paying a little extra on a soda, candy or treat will help out others so that the playing field is even, I don't mind at all.

As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't really matter what needs to be done, because it's not fair that I can receive excellent medical care and know that the person who is my waitress, bus boy, or check out person at the grocery store goes without. That in itself speaks volumes.

Michelle

I would be willing to pay more taxes. A single payer health care system would be far better and then monthly insurance premiums would be exchanged for increased taxes and balance out. Of course insurance companies and pharmaceuticals will never let that happen.

I also agree with Peggy. We should all pay, even those on unemployment, aid, social security, etc... should give a portion back for health care.

Taxing the rich is a bit too much like Robin Hood and sets a bad precedent. Everyone has the potential to get sick, get in an accident, etc... so everyone should pay.

I am willing to give up more tax dollars. I am also willing to give up benefits for elective "self improvement" treatments (cosmetic dermatology, psychotherapy for personality change). I am also willing to forgo the right to sue for anything less than negligence. Add to the list the "information" streamed to us in the frequent adds for the latest drugs, drug combo's, and diagnostic imaging – all of which drive up the cost of care and also the profits of med-tech and pharma industries. I am willing to give up all the underwriting departments that spend a fortune denying coverage.
George in California

Prhaps the majority of individuals in need of health care coverage are the newly unemployed and homeless. Unemployed because trillions of $$ were given to companies and wall street who did not deserve the funds and ARE NOT COMMITTED TO HELPING THE PEOPLE WHO MUST PAY THE $$$ BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT. So, perhaps they are like my husband and I....we don't have anything left to GIVE UP...including increased taxes.
OR the new homeless WHOSE HOMES HAVE BEEN FORECLOSED because the mortgage companies and banks who SET this spin-down in place, via the CULTURE OF GREED and illegal morrgate packages, HAVE RECEIVED $$$ (which the people have to pay back...) BUT WERE GIVEN THE OPTION OF VOLUNTEERING TO PARTICIPATE IN PRESIDENT OBAMA'S MORTGAGE RESCUE PLAN.
From February – July (still going on) my husband and I have attempted to obtain a loan modification, we have been unsuccessful. Initially our mortgage was $3,313. monthly...WITH THE MODIFICATION....our mortgage is over $5,000. Our attorney 'explained' that the mortgage companies (IndyMac) ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE AND HELP US RETAIN OUR HOME...THE PLAN LEAVES A SUPER LOOPHOLE OPTION...THAT THEY CAN VOLUNTEER TO PARTICIPATE.
IN THE CULTURE OF GREED...JUST AS IN THE CULTURE OF RACISM...NO ONE CAN LEGISLATE A HEART.
While I am wholly sympathetic with the uninsured...our daughters and their children receive minimal coverage health insurance from the states in which they reside,... I reside in California, the bankrupt state, where at least 50% of our uninsured health coverage individuals are also illegals, & while CA should be acknowledged for the generosity...it is over the top...when citizens of the USA cannot receive health care coverage.
PERHAPS YOUR QUESTION SHOULD BE SENT INDIVIDUALLY TO ALL THE INSTITUTIONS WHO HAVE RECEIVED THE $$$$ THE PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY BACK....ASK THEM WHAT THEY ARE WILLING TO GIVE UP? PERHAPS THE $$$ BY WHICH THEY ARE PAYING BONUSES, GIVING RAISES, AND RAPING THE PUBLIC OF ALL OF THEIR RIGHTS TO PROSPER IN THIS COUNTRY OF OURS!

This question should be asked to all the for profit Doctors, medical supply and equipment companies, insurance companies, contractors and building companies, for profit Hospitals and pharmacies that make billions and billions praying on people that get sick or injured. To reduce the cost of medical care the greed and profit mentality of getting rich off the sick needs to change.

The thing I don’t get about healthcare is the cost issue. I don’t see how it is so hard to finance this. I mean, do the math. $1 Trillion for 10 years means $100 billion per year. US population was 304,059,724 in July 2008 (US Census Bureau). That’s $328.88 per person, per year, or $27.41 per month.

Sounds like people can pay themselves. Now, the only remaining issue is that this is meant to cover people who can’t pay as well. If we charged $50 per person, per month, and every person paid in, the total [gross] monthly income would be $15,252,986,200, when we really (supposedly) need $8,361,687,034.84. So our needs are only using 54.82% of that gross income (at $50 per month per person).

Basically, what that means is that 54.82% of people need to pay into the system for it to continue to work. Or, 45.18% of people at most can be unable to pay without breaking the system.

$50 a month is not bad (especially for health insurance). From about.com:
“The most recent figures are from 2005, and indicate that the average individual’s job-based premiums were $3,991 that year, while families spent an average of $10,728.”

If that projection ($1 trillion over 10 years) is accurate, then I fail to see the problem in funding, when the cost per person is easily covered as noted above.

I think that if we had taxpayer funded elections this discussion would not be happening. When Big Pharma and Health Insurance companies are pouring 1.5 million a day into lobbying and all we out in the real world can only call, send emails or letters, guess who our "representatives" hear? I'd rather pay a percentage of higher taxes and not pay the approximately 12% of our gross (not take-home or after taxes) income it takes to provide health insurance for my family. On my health insurance I couldn't cover my oldest daughter after age 25 who got breast cancer at 24 without paying for COBRA. And when that ran out her mother and I pay for a private plan that covers 80% of costs. Luckily, we're financially able to do this but I think of the millions of Americans who are one paycheck or a serious illness away from losing all that have.

If you listen you will hear the singing of the insurance companies, and their lobbyists, " We did it" Did anyone watch Bill Moyers with the Cigna executive? If we do not get healthcare reform then insurance will not have to do anything. Remember when the polls supported Obama's reform, insurance said, "we will do better". If you think you have high dedictibles now, and if you think pre-existing is a problem- just wait. Without reform the insurance companies can do what they want. Healthcare reform will cost money. Remember this an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Now 80% of the dollars are spent on 20% of the patients, and that number will increase without preventive services. The money is going to be spent, if folks do not have health care- emergency rooms, catastrophic care. One thing for sure disease does not play favorites- so you can be heatlhy today and tomorrow all that can change. My question is why can't we just hear the truth?

The question isn't about what I'm willing to give up. That's irrelevant to the people making the decisions. The question is, what is the government willing to take from me to make this happen?

And the answer seems to be, anything that's necessary.

Nothing... being middle class I've been giving up for years. It's time the wealthy pay their dues!

I am currently working full time and do not have any Health Insurance. I am willing to pay higher taxes and go on the Government Health Plan. Truthfully the Nation in a whole need to pay a National Flat Tax Rate.

HAVEN'T WE GIVEN UP ENOUGH ALREADY? MILLIONS OF US ARE TAKING PAY CUTS TO BAIL OUT WALL STREET AND PAY FOR ALL OBAMA'S NEW PLANS. I'M DONE. WHAT ABOUT ME? WHY IS IT WORKING AMERICA IS BEING ASKED TO GIVE MORE.

WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL OUR ECONOMY SETTLES DOWN, THEN DISCUSS ASKING US TO GIVE UP MORE.

I would be willing to pay higher taxes to help those in need with healthcare coverage. We need to help each other!

Seeing as how I dropped my insurance (as a healthy man) at age 50 because the company wanted over $12,000/year, I have no trouble with a single payer plan.... the government can't mess it up any worse than the private sector has.

I am willing to give up my shares and profits from all healthcare accounts in my portfolio. Healthcare should not be for profit.

It seems that Congress is trying to find a single tax source for funding healthcare reform. Why couldn't the approach instead be to fund from multiple tax sources but a lesser % from each source to come up with the total amount needed? Also why not tax items that are not good for your health, like fast foods, sodas, candy etc.? How about taking the funds from the F22 program?

Wayne

Nothing. It's amazing. People say that they can't afford healthcare. But, look at the cars people drive. How about every time these folks go to the store and buy beer or cigarettes, or go out to eat a couple times a week. But they can't afford healthcare? Some times, people need to prioritize.
I have healthcare. I earned it. I served in the Navy for 20 years.

I am willing to pay more in taxes. We already are paying for the Medicaid / Medicare program, we are also paying higher medical costs because so many do not have coverage...which forces facilities to increase their general prices. We have to do something. We need our taxes to be better managed. It's that simple!

I would agree to pay higher taxes. My only concern would be the longer waiting times to see a physician as a result of a government run health care system.

I feel I give up all the time. I am a teacher. I am losing my Social Security through the WIndfall Elimination Bill. I give up all the time. AND I AM NOT WILLING TO PAY THE HEALTH CARE FOR ILLEGALS.

KIKI

I would be wiling to give up sugary snacks, soft drinks, and junk food. When I hear about new taxes on high-fructose-corn syrup, I am shocked that our government could conceive of doing something so effective. Taxes on cigarettes go up all the time. Alcohol is heavily taxed. I say tax Coca-Cola, Doritos, and McDonalds!

I'm just a college student so I don't really understand all of this stuff about the health insurance and all the different taxes, but I think that our country should consider a national sales tax. If we made a national sales tax then everything would be fair. Also, with a national sales tax illegal immigrants would pay taxes. If someone complains about taxes then all they would have to do is buy less stuff. It seems very simple to me.....

i agree on more taxes for the rich like you tony !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!the poor already pay way too much give the poor a break!!!!!!!!!

I am willing to give up our government wasting so much money. There will never be enough for them even if we gave them every penny and possession we could possibly get our hands on.

I would be willing to give up anything for good – affortable healthcare that gives me and my family peace of mind and portability. We will always pay, up front, durning, and forever. Please report on cost containment!

I would give up my right to sue. One-third of health costs in the U.S. are related to litigation, at least indirectly. "Defensive medicine" is a major expense. These are procedures whose main purpose is to reduce litigation risk.

I am unwilling to give up anything. I worked hard to get a good job that has a wonderful health benefit. I have a chronic disease. I am afraid of losing the excellent care I now receive. I have also saved a fair amount of money in case I need it for my health later. Should I give up my plan so that someone else will live if I have trouble down the road? Those of us who plan and save and manage our lives should not have to pay the price for those who don't! This government is looking at rationing and will have to, because they'll waste so much money that they won't be able to care for anyone with the quality we now have. Think about it? What has the government EVER done that manages money well and or improves on a system that was privatized? NEVER! We must stop punishing achievement in this country or we'll find ourselves in such a pile of pooh that nothing will get us out. The government should not be in the business of caring for us from cradle to grave. Where is our personal responsibility??

I am will to have my taxes raised to have universal healthcare. In the long run, I will break even. Though I will pay higher taxes, I will not have to pay the insurance company. I feel the co-pays, deductables and monthly payments are a indirect tax. With a family, I MUST have insurance. Thus, I am already taxed.

I would be in favor of paying a federal sales tax to pay for a good health care plan. The health care plans that some workers in a America have may not be there in the near future, plus we have quite a few uninsured now.The number of uninsured will get larger in the future if we don't act soon. Only the rich will have health insurance.

Tony,
I thought reducing health care costs meant that the outrageous charges we pay for procedures and operations, etc would be reduced. A stress-test costs almost $4,000.00! We have the best health care but it costs an arm and a leg!
Carolyn

I'm not willing to give up anything. I do not want the government running health care and taking money from me to pay for someone else.

The government ruined Social Security and Medicare and they have not learned anything from those experiences.

Less government and the fair tax are what is needed.

I am an American living in Canada. On March 30th last year my daughter was born 4 months early. She spent a total of 5 months in the hospital, had heart surgery, and another surgery to fix her abdomen. The entire 5 months I spent by her side while she got stronger and grew into the absolutely beautiful little girl she is I constantly kept thinking "thank God she was born in Canada" Everything was paid for. She received the absolute best care possible, because she was in Canada. I can't help thinking that if she was born in the United States, she would be dead, or my family would be destitute paying the medical bills. When you ask what I would give up for that kind of health care? Anything. I Would give up %50 of my income if it meant my daughter would receive the care she receives living here, and yet I only need to give up a total of 13% tax in provincial, and federal sales tax. A small price to pay for the constant miracles happening every single day.

Prhaps the majority of individuals in need of health care coverage are the newly unemployed and homeless. Unemployed because trillions of $$ were given to companies and wall street who did not deserve the funds and ARE NOT COMMITTED TO HELPING THE PEOPLE WHO MUST PAY THE $$$ BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT. So, perhaps they are like my husband and I….we don’t have anything left to GIVE UP…including increased taxes.
OR the new homeless WHOSE HOMES HAVE BEEN FORECLOSED because the mortgage companies and banks who SET this spin-down in place, via the CULTURE OF GREED and illegal morrgate packages, HAVE RECEIVED $$$ (which the people have to pay back…) BUT WERE GIVEN THE OPTION OF VOLUNTEERING TO PARTICIPATE IN PRESIDENT OBAMA’S MORTGAGE RESCUE PLAN.
From February – July (still going on) my husband and I have attempted to obtain a loan modification, we have been unsuccessful. Initially our mortgage was $3,313. monthly…WITH THE MODIFICATION….our mortgage is over $5,000. IN THE CULTURE OF GREED…JUST AS IN THE CULTURE OF RACISM…NO ONE CAN LEGISLATE A HEART.

I am willing to give up all the ridiculous government sponsored studies and non essential government spending. Why don't we ask ourselves if we would be willing to pay more taxes for EACH and every line item in the current budget? It is basically the same thing. I am willing to pay more taxes to help other citizens get health care coverage. I am not willing to pay more taxes to study the sexual orientation of mice in Ohio and other similar special 'pet' projects.

Tony,
I think in these economic times it’s inconceivable to ask the American public to pay more. Why not tax the medical supply and pharmaceutical companies, let them give back to the debt medical reform will cause.

I'm willing to do anything to help bring some hope to persons who are struggling to get medical help. I am helping now, because of loved ones not being insured and unable to pay to go to the doctor and get medicines. I think it is a shame that we as a people, the USA in this day and time, still wanting to continue to get richer while the poor have nothing.

I have very good insurance,I would be willing to pay an extra 10 cents on every dollar I earn to allow all Americans to have health insurance. We need to start thinking we instead of me.

I'd be willing to give up the myth of "no new taxes." What are increases in the cost of parking fines, parking meterss, public transit faress and bridge tolls? the 30% above subscription cable service? NEW TAXES! I'd be willing to pay well planned tax increases and not be dollar and dimed to death. "No new taxes" means regressive excess charges which hurt the poorest among us. This is the huge Republican loophole: the myth of "no new taxes."

First I would want to know just who are these uninsured. Second I would like to see the fraud and corruption taken care of. Third I would like to see the reforms, such as access to health care, prior illness, portability of plans, etc. taken care of. If these things are done, then I'd consider what I'd want to "give up" . I'm not for a government health plan.

In order to reduce health care costs for all Americans, and to help those uninsured, I am willing to give up fast and junk foods, as well as soda and other over-sugared drinks.

Our health care costs are high in this country because we treat ourselves poorly. Studies have shown that an unhealthy diet leads to illness later in life (diabetes for example.)

If we were to have a National re-vamping of our eating habits, and got a little more excersize, the average Americans health would improve, making quality health care a little more available, and in turn lower costs.

We in America seem to want to ignore the root causes of our poor health and instead treat symptoms only.

This is indicative of a instant-gratification society where we want what we want and we want it now; we can deal with the negatives later in the emergency room...

Tony, As a Canadian who is very satisfied with my health system, I am disturbed with the lies and ignorance being put forth by the GOP and other Republican lobbyists. People don' die under our system due to lack of coverage, they die under yours.

Coming from a family that would be taxed, I'm fully okay with it. I'd rather pay more to benefit the millions of uninsured Americans and speed up this health care effort, knowing that in the end we'll all end up paying for it in some way or form.

We have not heard anything regarding the premiums people will pay. Those premiums will offset a large portion of the cost. I am willing to give up the money I will pay for reasonably priced health insurance premiums.

Individuals should not have to sacrifice. There is plenty of abuse in our system today from those that collect from insurance companies. I see this in my case every month as hospitals and medical supply providers continuously bill my insurance company despite they have no legitimate claim. Their claims are denied, yet they continue to send in claims every month in the off chance that one slips through.

THis is a common practice, and only inflates the cost of insurance. These are the practices that should be scrutinized and stopped if we are serious about reforming health care. Dont penalize the patient; penalize the abusers.

Tony,
I wouldn't be willing to give anything up. Our government has overstepped its boundries and a National Health Care Program is an infringement on our rights as American Citizens. Although it sounds nice and would help the lower class citizens, this is just another reason to raise taxes in order to pay for the health care program. Our nation was formed as a result of angry citizens against British taxes. If our government raises our taxes or enforces new taxes on its citizens then the American people need to wake up and think about how much we are going to let our government get out of hand before it is too late. Again, this health care program sounds nice but who really wants more taxes just to sit in the emergency room for a longer amount of time?

I am not willing to give up anything. The question should be what are our nations health care providers willing to give up. We must put a stop to healers becoming businessmen. The oath Dr's take should preclude them from getting rich off of their patients. The oath our lawmakers take should preclude them from protecting those providers by making back room deals and then selling those deals as "reform". Obama should be ashamed of himself. The means will not justify the ends.

I am willing to give up the option of a lawsuit against my doctor. Tort reform for malpractice should happen before anything else!!! Have we even looked at how much that would lower healthcare costs?!?!?

In return for universal health care I am willing to pay higher taxes, receive coverage through a government plan, and receive reduced benefits. In return, I do not want to pay health insurance premiums. Health care costs should be funded by a new tax taken out of paychecks in the same way we pay for Social Security insurance (and the upper limit on incomes that pay these taxes should be eliminated).

I would like to see a basic Medicare/Medicaid plan extended to all citizens regardless of income. Then, if wealthier individuals want to buy additional private insurance that covers additional services, they can do so. This leaves a niche for profit-based private insurance companies while giving basic care to all citizens.

To answer the question of what I (we) should give up:

I do not think we need to give up anything. We spend the most in the world, yet get the least per dollar spent per citizen of industrialized world.

Seems like with those figures the average citizen can get much better service for an overall lower price vs the current greed driven system.

Until the provision of providing health insurance for illegal alians is
eliminated, I'am not willing to give up anything.

There is something left out of your question. Insuring the uninsured is not about being altruistic, it is self protection. The uninsured go bankrupt when faced with excess medical costs. The go to emergency rooms and don't pay–we pay with higher rates and higher insurance rates and a big burden on our economy. If all were insured and all paid something (like auto liability insurance), all win in the end, no matter how you pay.

If taxing will decrease or eliminate insurance premiums for everyone, then it's a win-win situation. What I don't want is to continue to pay high premium rates along with additional tax. That is not bringing costs under control!

Tony,
Seems pretty straightforward to me. We need to cease spending any money for food, medical care, etc any place in the world if one American citizen is in need of this kind of help – specifically veterans and the elderly and children. No one would operate his (or her) family's finances the way our government manages ours. I am not against charity and help to others – but AFTER our own are taken care of. We just need to work sensibly and prudently with budgets and prioritization.

Here is a non-political suggestion for health care funding:
I am willing to pay a small increase in tax, HOWEVER, a much better idea is not to simply tax the "wealthy", who already contribute a large share, but rather to tax those who benefit from providing health care.
The hospitals, the doctors the diagnostic centers and the pharmaceutical industry will all benefit from higher health care spending and thus should pay for that benefit, As an ex-ad man, I also suggest a tax on the agencies and media that make money on advertising for the health care/pharmaceutical industry.

Sorry Tony, but I'm retired, living on an extremely limited budget and do NOT want to give up anything so others can have health coverage.

All Americans, included illegal aliens, have access to care when it's necessary.

I buy my insurance and I expect others to do the same!! They can give up bit flat screen TVs and buy health insurance. It's a matter of priority!!

Why do we the people need to give something up? The government already uses TRICARE which our tax money already pays for. How many on the hill are offering that to the people as a choice of health care since they are using it?

Andy
Tallahassee, Fl

Realizing that semantics is not the issue, I couldn't help notice the choice of words in the question: 'What would we be willing to GIVE UP?'
How about , "What would we be willing to GIVE in order that everyone might be able to access needed health care?" This country boasts of its generous and compassionate nature - alrighty then, let's put some substance behind our bravado. Talk is cheap - it's time to walk the walk.

I'd be happy to pay more taxes if I knew that they were going to programs I can support like healthcare. An obscenely disproportionate amount of my taxes goes to defense. It's time to join the rest of the developed world and find a way to provide affordable health care for everyone.

I have been on Govt health care since I was born, my Father was Ret Vet, and I am now a Ret Vet so I really dont know why their is a problem with the Govt providing Health Care for everybody. How are you going to regulate the cost for care is what I like to see. Are the doctors going to lose money? Are the medical and drug companies going to lose money? The Rep need to sit down and shutup they are the reason we are in this mess.

I am not willing to give up anything. I already pay $8000 a year for a high deductible ($5000) health insurance policy. It is essentially only a catastrophic safety net. I essentially self-insured. I have worked hard all my life, sacrificing to get my college degree. I fear that the current administration is bankrupting our country and to tax us more is untenable. Why should I ask anyone making more $ than me to take care of me? Universal health care sounds nice but is unaffordable.

I would be more then happy to pay higher taxes or take a government sponsored plan.
The measure of a society is how it cares for all it's people, not if it cares for some well and others not at all.
Taxing the rich more does make sence but I don't think that can be the only thing in place. The excuse that this will cause more unemployment is a scare tactic, but it can't all be placed on the rich.
Increasing taxes on big companies and people who are employed in general would be helpful, however then you would need to make the plan available to more people.
Right now as I understand the plan would only cover people who can't get insurance for either lack of employment of a preexisting condition.
1 thing everyone should bare in mind ins that the 46 million people without insurance was back in 2007, unemployment was around 5% then. Umemployment is now 9.5%.
Also our health system costs twice as much as any other country in the world, barring Luxumberg, we only cost 20% more then they do. Yet all those other countries have everyone covered, for any illness.
We cannot let health care reform fail, but we have to also make sure it's done right.
Personally I'm an advocate for singal payer but that's not going to happen but atleast what's happening now is showing a chance of making things better then they are.

Me and my husband, both lawyers, make more than $250,000 a year...but we cannot give up anytyhing else!

As middle class professionals living in Manhattan, we have a HUGE mortgage, HUGE payments for our Law School loans, big utility payments, and we try to save in everything possible, (even giving up Cable TV premium stations and this year's vacation plans) -and cannot even plan to have children because it would cost too much for the time being...

So...How can we face being taxed even more??? It would RUIN us and destroy our attempts to be economically stable and bring up a good family.

Life for the middle class is VERY difficult nowdays and nobody seems to care about us.

We voted for Obama but we cannot afford more taxes

I would be willing to give up nothing unless I see the Congress and President covered by the exact same plan that they're trying to, literally, push down our throats.
I have worked hard and given up vacations, nicer homes, expensive clothing and shoes, and other luxeries, to make sure I have the proper insurance. Why should I have to sacrifice for others who (a) are young and feel they don't need it, and (b) have a Gov't program to cover them i.e.Medicare and Medicaid.
This is nothing more than a copy of Canadian and Great Britain's Healthcare program. We are America. And whether you Liberals believe it our not, we HAVE and have always HAD, BETTER HEALTHCARE THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY ON THIS PLANET.
Let's not let Mr. Obama do this to this great country.

HOw about this. Have a all the charitable organizations that are pout ther, pay a tax for health care. THe animal rights groups for example advertise for help in protection ot the animals. They get a tax break for theier donors. this tax break raises the tax burden on all taxpayers as someone has to make up this shorfall. So, how about lowering the tax write off for all charitable deductions?

Another thing. Did you know that there are ferderal agencies that actually lend money to folks? THe EPA for example lends general funds to the stats at a low rate of interest. IF this money were lent by the Soc Sec Admin. then the interest can be collected by the SSA and re-lent. What a savings to the Genral FUnd this would be over time. MILLIONS of dollars of new general Revenue dollars are in the EPA Revolving fund loan program each year. But the interest does not go to the EPA ot returns to the General Fuind and is not paid to the debt at all. As a matter of fact it is all part of the Accounting practice of the government. IF you want a story follow up on the amount of money that is padi in iterest on all the government programs back tohte General Fund. It will astound you and how it is not well "accounted" for on the books.

Tony

You have a good show today. I am a military retiree. I am willing to pay higher taxes and/or have a higher deductible. I am skeptical of all the promises that this will fix health care in this country. Good intentions don't mean great programs and policies will be developed. In the long run, I think with the reform that has been talked about-we all lose.

.

Isn't this plan called Universal Health care? If so, Than Everyone needs to contribute !!! We own a small busines, and what congress is proposing will very likely put us out of busines. I will take a poll of the people we now employ and see if they would rather have a job or insurance. That should really be telling answer on what middle Americans want. I am however willing to pay more taxes IF and When congress goes on the same plan they are forcing on us !!!! Then and only then will I believe it is a good plan for all. If its good enough for us, its certainly good enough for them.

As Americans paying taxes we are already paying for the uninsured.
Personally I think the American people will end up doing what needs to be done. However the question is what are the Senate and the HOuse willing to give up. They receive free health care and the best in fact so let them pay for their health care and then the people who they are suppose to be WORKING FOR can see some incentive to help.I always thought the people who wanted to be PUBLIC SERVANTS wanted to help the country instead they feed their own pocketbooks. First they need to come up with a Healthcare Plan and put it out there for people to read and DO NOT fill it with so much junk and legal jargon just A + B and paid for with help from WHAT. We are turning into a third world country with all this Political Junk.

We have to give up expecting government to pay the first dollar. Gov't should pay the last $$. Let individuals and insurance companies buy and pay for health costs up to a limit ($5000? $10,000? $20,000?) Then let universal health insurance provide catastrophic coverage. We are going about this business right now in the most expensive and least effective way. Lets turn it around.

Dear Tony,
I've just retired from a for-profit health insurance company who managed large state Medicaid plans.
The question, as I see it, ahould be: "When will the states understand that the Medicaid recipients health coverage needs to be "reigned in!" Currently, in our state, the Medicaid recipients can opt-out of a state directed managed care program MONTHLY – and resume a fee-for-service-Plan from the state. Their healthcare has very few restrictions and they use the Emergency rooms as often as 1-2x/week for "the common cold."
This population is one of the major contributors to a state's health budget FAILURE.
....But for some odd reason – No-one is talking about this ....

The main complaint/concern that I hear from others in regard to national healthcare is that it will reduce the quality of care for those already insured in that a greater patient to doctor ratio would result in longer wait times to see a doctor. I would gladly wait longer to see a doctor if it meant that everyone had the opportunity to get the medical care that they needed.

When it comes to cash, I have none to give, so what else would my government ask of me? Tax pharmaceutical companies and regulate them. Take money from insurance companies and regulate them. Narrow the scope of socialism instead of spreading it to all industries in America. Heck, hire Madoff... I bet he would find the money.

Tony,
Instead of having to give up anything to help fund for this necessary reform, I suggest we approve a pardon to first-time non-violent offenders in each and every state so they can get a job and pay taxes as the rest of America. This will put more in the pot and contribute significantly for whatever reform is called for. There is approximately a year and a half wait in my state of Ohio before an application is reviewed, suggesting a huge back log of applicants who are waiting and waiting and waiting while America's expenditures is going and going and going like the energizer bunny!!

Tony,

If I were to give up cigarettes, I could save $1500 per year. If the nation were to give up cigarettes, and invest it in a healthy lifestyle, we could reform health care without the need for bureaucracy. There is no way to solve the health care problems of an population which insists on unhealthy lifestyle choices.

We should all insist on giving up obscene insurance company CEO salaries and profits. This greedy industry has abused citizens by denying care, caused costs to skyrocket, and ruined our health care system.

I would be more than willing to pay a little bit higher tax and switch to a government-sponsored plan in order for my family to get quality health care. It would be cheaper for everyone and It beats what I have now which is nothing! My wife and I both had good jobs before being laid off but what we paid for health care per month was absolutely ridiculous and the insurance companies rarely covered much. The bills were insane! Government -sponsored would be far better than any private insurance company based on what I have seen in the last eighteen years.

I have family that live in Canada and they say they would never want to be in our shoes! No complaints up there.

I teach in a community college where many of my students have lost or seldom have had any private health care. If they or their children get sick, they have little recourse but to suffer through it. I also lived for 5 years in Canada and used their superb national health care. It was great to just have a "credit card" that could be used at doctors' offices and hospitals. The care was excellent. My husband had a viral infection and spent 9 days in a fine hospital (the equal of any around where I live!) and walked out not owing a dime! Try that in the U.S., even with "good" insurance. I went in for an outpatient surgical procedure that had problems, spent one night in our local non-profit hosptical and the total bill was $18,000. What would have happened to me if I hadn't had insurance? The higher taxes in Canada were really worth it! I would happily pay higher taxes if it meant that my fellow Americans, all of them, had access to good health care. Yes, we might have some bureaucrat deciding what amount of care we would have, but right now under my state plan, the insurance company gets to tell my doctor what drugs she can provide for me! I want portable, national guaranteed health care! Make the insurance companies, hospitals, and doctors provide full disclosure of all prices and costs. And while they're at it, why not take this time to completely revise both Medicare and Medicaid? Put them both into whatever plans offers the best value for our tax dollars. I am so sick of hearing people admit how serious the problem is while offering no actual plans to really solve the problem. We can subsidize tobacco farmers but not health care?

$$ were given to companies and wall street who ARE NOT COMMITTED TO HELPING THE PEOPLE WHO MUST PAY THE $$$ BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT. So, perhaps they are like my husband and I….we don’t have anything left to GIVE UP…including increased taxes.

Perhaps your question would produce more positive results if it was asked of the institutions who have already received $$$ to help the public, and now have the opportunity to pay for the Health Care Plan.

HOMES HAVE BEEN FORECLOSED , via the CULTURE OF GREED and illegal morrgate packages. And were given the option of VOLUNTEERING to participate in the mortgage rescue plan. .

. Initially our mortgage was $3,313. monthly…WITH THE MODIFICATION….our mortgage is over $5,000. IN THE CULTURE OF GREED…JUST AS IN THE CULTURE OF RACISM…NO ONE CAN LEGISLATE A HEART.

I think your question would be best served by asking the recipients of bail outs to respond.

I am will to do my fair share. Fair being the key word. A % of my income ie.... tax. Those who can afford more would be taxed more. My wife & I have families that are on public health care now. It doesn't wok well for them. We all need to start at the same point & then we can purchase addition private insurance based on our needs. What is so hard about this. We all pay now for a system that doesn't work well. So lets start at the beginning and worry about what might happen tomorrow. We have to start. Doing nothing is how we got here. Doing the same thing and expecting a differant result – is just backward thinking. We have had that bacward thinking for almost a decade. I'm exahusted being led down the primrose path only to be led into dispair. Lets do someting together that makes a differance.

What every one forgets is that the premiums, deductibles and co-pays they have to pay under the health insurance plan they are currently under will no longer be taken out of their wages if they opt to a public plan. The premium for health insurance under a public health plan will be less in many cases than what they pay today and should not have deductibles or co-pays.

I would like to see the health care premiums be a % of a persons income instead of a set amount. The way it is currently set up, the premiums etc. are cost prohibitive for those with lower incomes and they cost very little to the wealthy who want to keep everything the same.

I would be willing to give up the war in iraq and Afghanistan to fund single payer, universal health care.

How about the $14,700. I deduct from my taxes each year in Medical Insurance payments, medicine and payments for procedures that are not covered by by insurance. This is on income of approximately
$50,000-–
How about information on what it is costing us now for insurance???

NOTHING! My family already pays an avg. of $20K per year for all healthcare costs combined, and 3/4 of that is after-tax money. Healthcare reform is supposed to be about getting more for less, not less for more. If all this is about me giving up something, then it's not being done right and I want no part of that kind of program!

Tony, Tony, WHEN will you educate yourself on the issues? With regard to the "47 million UNINSURED Americans" please read the following statistics:
Census Bureau data is misleading. The Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS) is a misleading measure of those who lack health insurance in America and an imprecise tool for analyzing the dimensions of the problem. Analysis of data from earlier Census Bureau and other government reports shows that roughly 7 million are illegal immigrants; roughly 9 million are persons on Medicaid; 3.5 million are persons already eligible for government health programs; and approximately 20 million have, or live, in families with incomes greater than twice the federal poverty level, or $41,300 for a family of four.

Most of the uninsured are in and out of health coverage. The professional literature also shows that, overwhelmingly, the vast majority of the uninsured are persons who are in and out of coverage, largely as a result of job changes. Only a small number of the uninsured are chronically uninsured. For most of the uninsured, the problem is fixable if policymakers simply take steps to make health insurance portable, so the insurance policy sticks to the person, not the job.

Current Federal Tax Policy Fuels Uninsurance. A substantial portion of uninsured Americans are not poor but rather middle-class working Americans who are forced to face a major tax penalty, resulting in premium increases of 40 to 50 percent, if they do not obtain health insurance through the place of work. For millions of Americans without job based health insurance, both the tax policy, and the excessive regulatory burden on health insurance in the states, prices families out of coverage. Current federal tax policy then unnecessarily drives millions into the ranks of the uninsured.

Source: The Heritage Foundation

I would like to see an affordable public health insurance option for those who do not have employer-provided coverage. Congress should expand the Medicare or Medicaid plan to cover the uninsured with an affordable premium. The subsidized portion should be paid with a 1% federal sales tax on all purchases except certain items such as food, medicine, healthcare, education and books. This sales tax would ensure that everyone contributes. The rich should not be taxed disproportionately.

I would be willing to do anything to get this done. If its higher taxes then it is is well worth it. I live in California. I already pay high taxes for things that i see no return on. If my taxes go up so that everyone has real health care coverage then at least that would be something positive and tangable that i could see. Its time the health insurance companies got a little healthy competition. This must be done at all costs.

I would give up NASA. Why go to mars if we cant 'live' here? It's like going on a world expedition while you leave your children home to starve.

Secondly, to Health reform funding:
Society pays a very small premium when they are WELL which largely goes to their doctor. When they are sick they don't pay. Results: The medical community makes "more" keeping people well and is motivated to do all the right things.

I already give up 32% of my money to taxes to pay for government sponsored programs like Medicaid and Medicare. Reducing funding to those programs seems like a step back in this process. I worked hard to get a good job with good benefits and have already sacrificed a lot to get where I am. It's called capitalism. That what America was founded on right? If the government forces their idea of health care on all of us then the middle class will give up the most, and I am not for that. If we all sacrifice what we currently have in health care then we are all going to give up benefits and quality of care. It seems like Socialized Medicine and that is what no one wants. That would be giving up everything that America is founded on. Obama is the one pushing so hard for this plan when it doesn't even effect him, he has a personal doctor. His health care plan is going to ruin the Middle Class. That seems like a lot to give up, for anyone.

What are we willing to give up??? Bad question. Those who can afford it won't give anything up. People like me - an under-insured freelancer - can't afford to give anything up. I hope CNN and other news agencies can propose questions that stimulate us to come up with possibilities that helps us team up. It's clear by the comments here that this question pits people against each other. We don't need that.

Just read other comments. Those who are sickened by people getting help from the government must be anxious to give up their shameful handouts of roads, schools, fire depts, police services, mortgage tax deductions, etc.. Health care bankrupts even those who do fine without government handouts and then government handouts make a life and death difference that quickly change that attitude.
Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the canadian woman in the commercial saying she had a brain tumor that would have killed her without the USA health system, is an actress. My relatives in Canada are very pleased with the health care they receive. My mother-in-law couldn't get satisfactory care here and all appointments were a month or 2 out but she visited the relatives in Canada and was seen that week by a neurologist.

I am not willing to give up anything. Don't people realize that raising taxes will only hurt the economy more? It is a concern to me how often people listen and believe politicians (including the President) without fully understanding the consequences and being educated on the subject.

Before I give up anything...
Give up every cent of healthcare given to Illegals through the backdoor of our health care system.
Give up the 10% of every health care dollar spent on paper-shuffling middlemen in the billing of medical services.
Give up the AMA and its control of the cost, availability and quality of doctors and nurses.
Then talk to me about what my family needs to give up.

BruceG
San Francisco, CA

End any and all financial support given to illegal immigrants and foriegn countries, and tax corporations a flat 15% tax. This way both the little guy and the wealthy won't have to deal with issues they are not directly responsible for. If we could recoup all the dead money we provide to support the undeserving, then paying for healthcare wouldn't be an issue. Its not a matter of taxation, its a matter of reallocation.

I'm assuming you're asking the question of people who have health insurance. If so, you're asking the wrong people what they would give up. The people with health insurance have already given up the money that it costs them to have health care coverage. If we elect to pay the coverage for everyone who doesn't currently have health care, what are THEY willing to give up (i.e., cigarettes, alcohol, 5000+ calorie/per day diets). Are THEY willing to exercise more and adopt a more healthy lifestyle if we provide for their healthcare? Probably not.

I have already given up any dignified old age or ANY retirement for health care. I am after the loss of both my parents existing out here in ND on just over $300. a month delivering a newspaper. It is very clear that the government get more involved (as it should have decades ago) in stopping 12-15% / yr medical cost / insurance hikes, as it invented medicAID and mediCARE, and also allowed lobbists from the medical insurance and drug companies to infest its halls to pay politicians to do things their way at the expense and sacrifice of hard-working Americans. When the American people are overall not strong economically and really NOT free because of these medical costs and expenses, the country is not strong and it will NOT go to the Moon again or accomplish great things until this self-made "pickle" is solved. I am 50 and I have not had health insurance for decades, as I NEVER could afford it, not being paid for my 28 yrs sky work since college (summa cum laude) graduation. Of coarse, I don't expect this truthful commet to be aired, but again, I try.

I am willing to give up my free time in order to participate in a grand audit of the current Medicare system. Who pays the price on a Medicare scam?

Pharmaceutical companies are not struggling. What are they going to give? Can they find it in their soul to possibly provide cheaper medications for elderly? Why don't we all donate our time to investigate and report on what can be done to encourage those companies to change. Exposing faults within major companies is enlightening.

This is old news, lobbysists need to be exposed as well as their counterparts.

http://www.pww.org/past-weeks-2001/The%20high%20cost%20of%20drugs%20-%20The%20pharmaceutical%20scam.htm

I would gladly have my insurance benefits taxed if the government would change the earned income tax benefit. How did it ever make fiscal sense to give people thousands more than they paid in? The same people who probably receive food stamps, medicaid, etc. The same people who in future years will not only qualify for social secuity benefits, but draw more than they paid in. Really .. I highly doubt the rich see an incentive to earn less because the government wants more in taxes? I do see a continued incentive program to earn less and get more.

I can see a viable medical scheme whereby illegal aliens are given emergency care and encouraged to return to their native countries since as things stand now many Central American, caribbean and South American aliens flock to the USA on tourist visas seeking medical treatment,hospitalization and operations, free of charge ,under Medicaid rules and regulations which encourage such abuses. If they wish, aliens on tourist visas or illegally inthe USA can be required to buy commercial insurance like COBRA for unemployed US citizens....and illegal aliens after emergency care should be deported forwith to their home countries since they shouldn'.t be here and employed to start with. The income from alien cobra insurance policies collected upon arrival can be reimbursed if no medical services inthe USA is required.

Many people cannot afford good health care. Health care careers are increasing wages in their blossoming careers and most Americans are taking wage cuts or something less in their careers. We need good paying jobs to buy health care.

I have recently had open heart surgery for a congenital heart desease that I have been suffering from since birth. I didn't pay a penny out of my pocket for visiting any specialists, family doctors and even for the surgery and recovery room that I stayed in.

We pay for our healthcare system through higher taxes and having a system that is not as advanced as the one in the United States. It has worked so far and I'm very happy with it.

If I were an American I would be very happy to pay higher taxes for it. A lot of people say that Canadians are strange because we don't complain about high taxes as much. That's because we are realistic and know that things cost money and, if it's worth paying for it, we will.

There are already lots of doctors and dentists who won't see patients that have Medical Asistance or other government coverage because the reimbursment is so low. So, when we talk about reducing medical costs, where do these cuts come out of? Can we ask our medical professionals to work for less than the plumber or copier repairman? Are we willing to entrust our health to providers that, for economic survival reasons, can only afford to spend a couple minutes per patient? We need a plan that pays providers a reasonable and realistic rate.

Obama should put into place a law....??? The president doesn't
"put into place" ANY laws. The president is the EXECUTIVE branch. The Congress is responsible for putting laws into place. Why did they not put into place a "law" that said the banks should ACCOUNT FOR THE MONEY? No, I am not willing to pay for people who want something for nothing. Regulate the insurance industry with respect to medical insurance costs. That is the problem. Regulate lawyers who file frivilious law suits. That is the problem. Tax health care benefits? Don't you realize that opens the door for them to tax ALL BENEFITS and more? Good Grief!

Give up? 86% of the U.S. Citizens in this country, are confortable with there health care, 4% refuse any type of health care, for whatever reason, and 10% are illigals.
The only thing to do is refuse care to illigals, leave the present plan alone, and over the next year work on the present plan to remove some of the excessive costs.
This will handle two problems, no taxes, illigals will not be so willing to come to this country.
my answer comes down to
" I am willing to give up NOTHING."

It is not a matter of what I am willing to give up. My willingness to make sacrifice could perhaps cover a family or two. It is a matter of to what degree I am willing to force my fellow citizens to work for the welfare of others. When you take a portion of a persons salary this is what you are doing. I see it no differently than if we force those who were rich with time instead of money to give up there time to nobles causes. I see both as indentured servitude. I question the morality of those who would declare that all who are willing and able should be the indentured servants of those were are not.

In respect to the health care problem, this is a cop-out anyway. Dissociating the cost from the problem is destructive. As many years as I have heard people complaining about the problem I have not read, heard, or seen the first real investigation into the source of the problem. Health care is becoming more expense. Where is the money going? Why does my doctors office require such a huge support staff per doctor? If insurance is to high then why are there not new comers to the market willing to take a less gross profit?

I work for my family. They are everyting to me. I am not important. They are. What am I willing to give up? Whatever it takes to ensure their well being?
1. My life.
2. My retirement.
3. No health care for myself.

Am I serious? Quite. When the government option is available, I will select it. Insurance companies and demonstrated over the years they are only interested in value for he share holders. Not health care.

Currently, I will never retire. Can't afford to. Spent the money on college for my children, wife and sister. Companies reneged on the rest. Have put money aside for medical for them. If I get sick, which I rarely do, I take an aspirin and get back to work.

P.S. I am a married Black man. I earn six figures. Still can't afford health care out right. Raise what you have to raise. Do what you have to do. Lets get health care done.

Okay Tony, you asked to be specific about what we'd be willing to give up so that those that are uninsured or under-insured can be covered.

I'd be willing to have higher taxes; switch to a government sponsored plan or a less generous plan.

Why would I be willing to do this? Because we brag about being the most prosperous country & we allow such a huge portion of our citizens to go without insurance.

Let's cut back on the bragging rights right now and concentrate on how to fix what is wrong first.

Tony because you said to be SPECIFIC, and I don't want to mess with the "Tony Man." You're way cool, keep up the great work.

I would be willing to give up ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS! If they want to cut a huge chunk off our deficit/costs, stop providing all these services and money to people who shouldn't even be here.

I'm tired of paying into a system that illegals can collect from, and then might not even be there for me when I need it. Healthcare is part of this system.

I would be willing to give up the following:
# $3.8 million for the Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy in Detroit;
# $1.9 million for the Pleasure Beach water taxi service in Connecticut;
# $1.8 million for swine odor and manure management research in Ames, Iowa;
# $380,000 for a recreation and fairgrounds area in Kotzebue, Alaska;
# $143,000 for the Greater New Haven Labor History Association in Connecticut;
# $95,000 for the Canton Symphony Orchestra Association in Ohio; and
# $71,000 for Dance Theater Etcetera in Brooklyn for its Tolerance through Arts initiative.

Tom
In Colorado

i would pay higer taxes. fighty cancer for a year each infusion of cemo $5,000 and taking tables $3,000 for refils, dealing with the insurance it would be nice to have other opitions then my job insurance which i am locked in to.

I would be willing to pay higher taxes as long as we could be assured that this went into insurance and not bureaucracy red tape. I also think that those making $300,000 a year should be taxed more than they are with fewer loopholes.

I am not willing to give up anything. There are already too many people out there fraudulently receiving food stamps, medicare, etc, etc. If all citizens are forced to pay for health care, then once again, we are being forced to "take care" of lazy people that only want to sit on their behinds and eat cookies and ice cream all day, and feed their children the same. People that file total disability and milk it for all its worth when they are not as bad off as they make it appear. I say this because I have a step-daughter that does this exact thing and it infuriates me that we, as hard working citizens trying to make ends meet, have to support people like that.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind paying for the people that are in some way TRULY disabled, even though my husband and I live paycheck to paycheck, but I believe the frauds outway the truly needy in this country. Not only that, but I also believe the individuals making a million $$ or more are too busy dodging taxes as it is and won't even notice higher taxes. Why would they be so selfish with their money when they KNOW there are people out there struggling, living paycheck to paycheck in this economy that we have only brought on ourselves, when they are able to help the needy in our own country.....? Because they are busy making huge non taxable donations to organizations to get their "15 minutes"!!

Tony, Iam willing to give up everything. Iam on disability and get about $1300 a month on disability. My rent is $500 per month and my insurance and medicare cost about $500 per month. Iam willing to give up all of my credit cards which I use for the luxeries such as food my truck which I need to sell si I can payoff my credit cards. What Iam not willing to give up is the right for bankruptcy because I think thats right where Iam headed. To many details to write them all down here.

In order to sustain unemployed Americans we need to do Job Sharing and go on a 30 to 35 hour work week. We also need a 20 hour work week if you have children. If employment reaches over 10 per cent then unemployment needs to be extended indefinately and you need to work 20 hours a week to maintain your benefits. There is an abundance of state and local jobs that need to be done. (Your continued benefits are your wages) Grass cutting, trash pick up, social services agents, ect. We need to give up the notion of if you don't work, you can't eat. If you are partaking of this system then you should get free internet, electricity and water. All of this provided you are an American Citizen. Those who are not have been surviving under the radar somehow but we need to address one part of society at a time.

Why not ask individuals making over $125,000 & families making $150,000 to pay 1%. They could have a deduction from the 1% for each child down to ½%. Those making over 1 million per year pay 1 ½% to 2%. Spread it a little thinner without coming down so hard on the rich. Plus add a monthly amount, paid by those taking the government plan, equal to what is paid for Medicare.

Make these time limited taxes, say for 4 years, until a good check on how well the health care reform is doing.

Along with careful attention to how government healthcare & Medicare is run we should be able to give a decent care to everyone without breaking the country.

Without healthcare reform we will all be paying more than a percentage or two of earnings. Also many of those making high incomes are able to hire accountants that have kept them from paying anywhere near the percentage that lower or mid income persons pay.

Tony– Well, I am a teacher, so I can't give up much more on salary. But as an American I am willing to give up:

-billions in Iraq & Afghanistan
-hundreds of millions in corporate welfare (F-22s for instance?)
-tax havens for the rich in Switzerland and the Caribbean
-outsourcing of jobs overseas
-the millions spent by lobbyists to finance campaigns for politicians

Nothing. Why should anyone have to give up anthing? Peolpe that are paying a lot already shouldn't have to give up anything. This bill sucks, and is only going to ruin our country even more than he already has in only 6 short months. Talk about all the stuff the "previous Administration" did bad-which, is all the "Current Administration" does..... Its not even close to what they are about to do....They're passing unread bills, and don't get me started on the so-called "Stimulus-uh-Plan"- Yeah, great plan! We can all see that its done wonders for our nation! Only 5% of it has even been spent–the rest of it is just sitting around–and we're paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest daily.... And everything has to be SO RUSH, RUSH! Why? Why can't they just take their time with this bill (since, it is probably one of the most important things he will do in his time in Office)-so, why not take time and get it right? Why does Obama think that HE is so darn special that HE can be the one to pass this bill and get it right?? Other Presidents have tried. They were pretty darn smart , also. But, HE thinks that HE can do it in what is going to be essentially, a few weeks-although he did say in January "within 1 year".
This country is going downhill because of this Administration. Paybacks are one thing, but completely changing everything about this country in 6 months-Gov't "take-over" Everything–Well, I smell Socialism. That is NOT what this country was founded on. The United States of America-Home of the Free, Home of the Brave! For how much longer?
Freedom of the press is how you have your jobs-I wonder how long it will be until they start changing the Constitution? They're already ignoring it and making they're own rules as they go....What's next? I'm scared for all of us.

Dear Tony,
I would be willing to pay more in income taxes so that all Americans can have medical insurance. I am now on Medicare, and would like to see everyone on a program like this.
However, my co-pays are rising every year, and that needs to change. We need not-for-profit pharmaceutical companies; people should not make record profits on the backs of the little guy. I believe all medical care should be handled by not-for-profit groups; That would get rid of the lobbyists on K street. It's time the PEOPLE had a voice louder than special interest groups.

Everybody needs to share in the cost of healthcare not just the wealthy. A national healthcare sales tax on all items purchased with the exception of food would give everyone skin in the game and give everyone a voice for cost containment. Let's face it, if you already have healthcare ( as most Americans do) then you don't want to pay for someone else's coverage too.

I am offended at the question. Why should I or my family have to give up anything? Do we live in democracy or socialism? I have worked hard all my life to provide security and prosperity for my family. I come from humble background and raised myself and my family up because I had a responsibility to do so. I did not need anyone to teach me this. Healthcare is one of the things I work for. Why is our society falling into this entitlement mind set? I believe in American exceptionalism. You work hard and you earn the rewards. And you share those rewards with whom you choose...your church, your community, etc. I take great exception to anyone or any government telling me who I need to be taking care of. Our founding fathers are rolling in their graves right now.

I would be willing to share my profit so that everyone could have a life free of worry that their health care is considered a right and not a privilege. Reducing the cost of health care is a simple fix, removing the profit from the system and treating health care as a right. Some types of profiteering are illegal, such as price fixing syndicates and other anti-competitive behavior.

Willing to Give up:
1. Going to Emergency Room for only mild symptoms or injury.

2."Brand Name" drugs if generics are available AND stay at low cost.

3.Having Social Security paycheck deductions stop in July..(if your income is above a certain level) Go ahead and keep taking the soc. security deduction for the full year.

4. Having Pharmeceutical companies advertise "direct to patients" on t.v.and in consumer magazines. Most of these ads are for most expensive drugs or drugs that are no more effective than the drugs that have been out there that do the same thing.

5. Having Medicare cover Durable Medical equipment to people that often do not really need it.( Examples are motorized wheel chairs)and c-pap machine (for sleep apnea) updated every year. These machines and the filters and masks can work for 6 or 7 years.

.

I don't know what else I can give up. I'm on "medicare" which should be called medican't. I haven't been to a doctor in years and I'm gratefull for my apparent health. BUT I don't get check ups or tests. Most doctors do not accept Medicare patients and I fear that this attitude will be more widespread under a gov't health plan. I know that the AMA will howl and scream, but I feel that the only solution is to regulate the medical/dental/drug industries. Their charges are totally outrageous and have been for years. For professions that ostensibly are "caring" and purport to relieve suffering, they are largely greedy and could care less about the individual in need of care.

I just heard on the broadcast about the Soft Drink Tax. In fact I believe that all fast food, candy, and soft drinks should be taxed. Instead of calling it a tax they can just call it Health Insurance. If you are going to eat that food, and feed your kids that food, then you ought to be paying into the system that is going to have to take care of the fall out from those lifestyle choices.

I'd like to remind the people up on the hill that this is not something to argue over for political gain and loss. People are dieing and living with deadly diseases, or recieving serious injuries because they can not afford it. This is about the quality of life of all Americans, people are living and dieing over this stuff. Its a bit abstract and easy to forget, but it is something that needs to be done. Tax me more. Tax the rich more! Tax the insurance companies!

I for one would hate to be the politician that is going to run in the midterms as the politician who is against public healthcare when my own constituents are just as under or uninsured as the next district. I would hate to see the human factor being lost to party politics.

Americans, stop the crazy train!!! Who are you listening to? You were overwhelming in support of national health care; now, not so much. You must realize by now that the television ads against it have ulterior motives; they are sponsored by special interest groups and anti-Obama zealots. We take health care in Canada for granted. Should you adopt our system? No! Learn from its pitfalls and improve on it. Suggestions such as minimum co-pay and user fees, education, and saving people from themselves are recommended. But please look beyond the wild stories for the truth. There are usually reasonable answers and significant details that have been omitted. A society dedicated to taking care of all its citizens without regard to ability to pay should be your goal. Your taxes already go towards cleaning up the health care issues that are a result of poor lifestyle and negligence. Most uninsured or under-insured people are there through no fault of their own. You claim to be a society to aspire to; then prove it.

I would be willing to pay a higher premium, a few dollars more a month. As it is my premium increases every year, and some of the
increases are do to paying for the uninsured/under insured. We always have and will continue to pay for medical care for people with out coverage. Do nothing and the deficit will go up, offer coverage and the deficit will go up. I believe if some kind of coverage is offer most people would pay something, most Americans aren't looking for a hand out but a little help.

Tony,
It's frustrating listening to critics of health care reform who rant about the cost as if the current system is free. I guess that if you have a high six figure income (or more) and a gold plated medical plan paid by your employer that's how it seems. I'm 60 years old and self employed with taxable income just under 100K. Out of pocket medical expenses run about 15K/YR. That pays for a high deductable policy, basic meds and annual check ups. We dread the thought of co-pays should one of us get really sick. My federal taxes could go up "50%" to pay for universal health care and I'd be putting money in the bank. There are tens of millions of Americans in my shoes. One last thought: universal healthcare is an essential elements of mature civilization.

Insurance is a racket business. Why doesn't the President put a cap on how much we can be charged for medical services. A cap has been placed on how much we can sue a doctor for when there is malpractice, so why not fair turn around.

To; Tony Harris

I have yet heard from any Reporter explaining the differance in Health Care costs, For insurance companies versis a person having no insurance. As an example i resently had an MRI . the company handed me a statement for $1075. A few weeks later my insurance company sent me a statement saying they paid $435.00 and that I owed nothing more. So my problem is this. If the Company That proformed the MRI can make a profit charging the insurance company $435. Why would they charge a person without insurance $1075. Maybe we should regulate the health care industry, and these huge profits. This hold true with any medical procedure including your drs. office

WHY isn't ALCOHOL included in that list of who/what to tax to pay for healthcare? The costs to society and healthcare from alcohol is far larger than for tobacco. Is the alcohol lobby that powerful? Or maybe there are so many alcoholic politicans they don't want to touch their own addiction?

Tony,

We have to be willing to give something up in order for us to have a healthcare system that covers almost all people. I hope that the Republicans that "don't get it" look outside themselves and see what is going on in the lives of many Americans.

We really wouldn't have to give up that much, consider that with so many people not having health insurance, when the go to the hospital / emergency room, those costs get passed on to us right now!! When everyone is insured more people will be able to use cheaper options.. a general physician vs emergency room to get care. Also the costs the hospitals charge to make up the difference will go down!

I am a self-employed small business person. I would be willing to give up some of the richer benefits of existing plans to contribute to health care reform. I would be willing to self-insure for the added out of pocket costs.

There is nothing that I'm willing to give up in order to help the underinsured or uninsured. I'm barely making it now. The goverenment will jump through hoops to assist businesses going out of business...and I'm expected to give something up to help others. You have to be kidding me. Find a better question to ask. Maybe you as a host should talk about what you are willing to give up. I started to say I'm sorry at the beginning of my statement...but I'm not. When I become unemployed...and I completely expect to be later this year – I assume that there will be no hand outs for me. Fight for yourself and move on.

I am a full-time employee with a Corporation. I live in Brooklyn, New York City and this is my dilemma:

My employer offers healthcare for myself and my family. it would cost 4almost $500 per paycheck. i make $540 weekly and get paid bi-weekly. if I were to pay for my employer based coverage i would make $580 bi weekly. This is unrealistic in New York City. The CBO reports says that 30% of people are offered healthcare through their work and do not take the option. This is why.

Why aren't you talking about the insurance companies more? I'm 47, broke my leg in January and am still fighting to get them to pay. Even today, they rejected an orthotic that the doctor just prescribed because they 'don't cover that". Insurance companies should have to prove the doctor is WRONG in prescribing care. Not the other way around. If we don't build some kind of competition/choice, it's just going to get worse.

I do not consider this a valid question. It is highly unlikely that anyone but the few who can most easily afford it will need to give up anything to enact Obama's plan. But it concerns me very much that the entire debate over universal health care is revolving universally around potential cost alone. This is Republican issue framing and is not the correct focus fro a nation that pays the highest percentage of any nation on earth for the substandard care we now receive (including NO care for about 50 million Americans). It is foolish to restrict one's view of an issue on cost alone, ignoring the needs and benefits that the policy would serve. Ask anyone, ANYONE, in a nation with socialized medicine whether or not they would trade their system for ours. You will not get even 10% saying that they would.

I would be willing to pay more to cover non and underinsured with health insurance -IF – i see a real hands on committee of those who know the good, bad and the ugly of the health care system. Members who have a track record of integrity and a didication to reform for now and the years to come. Members from doctors, nurses, patient advocates, insuranace companies, etc. (not second hand legislators spitting out second hand knowledge) who can hammer out the most expert compromise on such a tough needful problem. And then present it to the legislators.

Hi Tony,

You and CNN are doing a great job bringing this debate to the masses don't get too caught up in the political aspect of this discussion.

I live in Chicago, IL and every year the Gas company asks (on your bill) whether or not we are willing to add $1.00 to our payment in order to help those families that cannot pay their own heating costs. I almost always check the box because it's only $1.00.

I think something similiar on your taxes or some other form of massive and regulated communication would be a good way to raise funds for the Healthcare conversation. I think more people than not would be happy to give a dollar if the alternative is to be taxed.

I AM NOT in favor or being taxed for this endeavor. I personally feel over taxed as it is. We pay federal, state, county and city taxes. In addition to sales tax and property tax. By the time we are finished taxing, I see barely half of the pay that is intended.

Health Care is a human right. The Insurance Company will find a way to maintain their profits whether they insure all americans or not. Look at Wall Street these days and they have recovered, while Main Street American is still in a recessions. Lets just do the right thing.

Tony,

Don't take this the wrong way, but we are already picking up such a burden caused by our government, I would like to know what OUR government is willing to give up on the HILL? It seems that no matter what happens we end up paying the price at the expense of governments decisions. Sometimes I wonder if our representatives are in touch with what is really going on out here. There seems to be such a massive disconnect between what we are really suffering out here as opposed to taking care of those needs at the grassroots. Can we talk to more individuals that are LIVING in this moment instead of all the commentary of what the government THINKS is going on?

right now for a household of 3 we are paying $1200 a month for an HMO Plan. We have been told by them that we are already covering the cost of those that cannot pay. At this rate we may be without insurance soon, as our insurance is more than our mortage payment and many times we cannot afford the co-payments to even go to the doctor. We really have nothing to give, but we are willing to get a cheaper coverage through the government if these would help eveyone,

Hey Tony,

I make a six figure income but well below the $250,000 mark. However, I am willing to pay more taxes to help get Health Care for all Americans! It is time for us to stop being selfish and greedy. We need to do whatever it takes to provide basic health care to our citizens. My parents had far less than I have now and did so much for others. We need that since of community again and this generation must rise to the meet the challenges!

Thanks
Ann

I am willing to do what it takes to make this reform happen. We ALL have family members that are suffering through no fault of their own....many are dying from lack of care.....it's wrecking our economy.....I think we are all ready to help. If the anti-reform lobby really CARED about people....
they would spend their millions ACTUALLY HELPING the sick instead of spending $1.4 daily to keep things just like they are!!!!! Maryanne

In Canada, excellent healthcare for all. job or no job – rich or poor
where does the money come from – not the taxpayer – all companies with a payroll of 400,000.00 or more pay 1.95% of their gross payroll , its called EHT – employer health tax..........USA should consider this vs taxing individual. Also the first 400,00.00 is tax exempt to ths % – sp if your gross company payroll os 500,000- the 1.95% would be paid on $100,000.00

Hope you post this, love your show!

I don't undrstand why we have to "give up" anything. I have insurance, I pay huge copays, I have to get everything approved by a corporate hack. I pay nearly 300 a month in premiums and my employer pays the other 300. That is 600 a month total. I have to fight tooth and nail to get anything approved. Even after it is approved I still get bills and have to spend an hour on the phone, just getting the bill paid for.
I want a public option. It shouldn't be what are "we willing to give up" but rather what can we gain. It will be cheaper, lower copays, no one getting rich from being a middle man. Take profit out of the picture thats how we can pay for it.

Why must the american citizens always be asked, "what would you give up..." The problem can be resolved be our congress members doing their jobs: not spending money we don't have, not using funds for foolish programs, and realizing we are trying to accomplish too much at one time. What is congress willing to give up-increases in pay they give themselves, cut backs in their own personal government insurance programs and so forth.

I have been following the posts since I posted my own.

It amazes me that people just dont get it.

The problem is the cost of services. Why don't we simply regulate costs?Why spend Trillions on a system that cosigns uncontrolled profit taking by men and women who have sworn the hypocratic oath?

When is our government going to work for us? When are we going to wake up and see what is really happening?

I find myself feeling very sad for the future we are leaving my children.

Other than my family, I'll give whatever it takes.

I am my brother's keeper.

I have worked hard and dilligent as people were blowing all their money.I have done what I am susposed to do with my money.I have health coverage.Now I am susposed to pay for others health care?

I already pay for Medicaid and social security that I will never see.I feel as if I am being Bernied by the system.

I believe that heath care is a right for all Americans. I have health care coverage but I am still willing to pay higher taxes for the benefit of our country as a whole. We are only as healthy or wealthy as the least of us. Most Americans that have Medicare would not change it for one of the for-profit companies, so why do we let the lobbyist and politicians keep fooling us with scare tactics. The status quote is not an option, nor is giving the insurance companies more money with vouchers. If you want to see the future of health care, just look at the past ten years.

What I am willing to give up, to help fund health insurance for every American:

1) Medicare-provided Medical Equipment: As I age, I would be willing to use USED medical equipment, instead of brand NEW equipment, which Medicare pays for in whole or in part.

• When my aging mother could no longer walk un-aided, we were advised that Medicare would only reimburse for NEW equipment, and would not pay for used equipment. This is a waste. We should develop standards for certifying refurbished used medical equipment , just as we have certified used cars. It would cut Medicare costs substantially to fund used equipment instead of new equipment. Moreover, since most of these patients are at the end of their lives, the equipment is frequently only needed for a year or two. So instead of purchasing this equipment, it could be rented/loaned instead, and returned to the Medicare equipment pool for re-use when no longer needed. This would also launch a new niche business in refurbishing and inspecting Medicare-certified used medical equipment.

2) Stricter Prescription Monitoring: I would be willing to have my doctor be very strict in requiring a bona-fide diagnosis before giving me a prescription for a drug that I saw advertised on television and asked for. Read “Our Daily Meds” for an in-depth discussion of the over-prescribing of drugs heavily marketed on television.

• Studies have shown that over 90% of patients who ask their doctor for a prescription for a drug advertised on television walk out of the office with a prescription for that drug, regardless of whether they have a related on-label or off-label symptom or diagnosis that warrants the prescription.

3) Tort Reform: I would be willing to for-go “Punitive Damages” from any liability suit I might file and win, if the Punitive Damages moneys were instead placed in a super-fund which might be used to defray medical costs of others, or to help other victims.

• Punitive Damages are needed as a means of punishing those that risk the public health by knowingly marketing faulty products or otherwise exposing the public to a known danger. But the huge awards given in some cases have become an incentive for some people to sue in hopes of a large settlement. If the Punitive Damages awarded by the courts did not go to the plaintiff and their attorneys, but instead were kept in a super-fund, the incentive to sue just for the money would be quelled, but the punitive aspects of heavy judgments would continue to hold wrong-doers accountable and still serve as a deterrent.

If we aren't willing to take care of all citizens no matter what, we as a nation will find ourselves a third world country in a short time. How could this happen you ask, study your history?

I have reservations about this regardless of who is taxed, or what anyone gives up. I believe the larger question is how you sustain paying for this. Lets suppose it passes and all citizens were given health care.
That would be great. Now the President gets immigration reform and you add 12 to 20 million more individuals to the roles instantly. How will that extra cost be picked up?

I agree with Jamie. The idea that I and so many like me would have to give up anything additionally, while others live in such luxury, while others profit so generously in the medical, insurance, and financial industries, is absurd! The distribution of wealth in this country is grotesque and grows worse every day. History shows us this cannot continue. Even in these hard times, we still hear about record profits in many sectors of the economy and consistently in health care. I believe that means they are charging a healthy sum above actual costs to obtain those profits and they have plenty of money left over to pay for commercials that try to create fear so that they can hold onto the system as it is. Hell no I don't want to pay anymore in taxes while the rich have so much more than they could possibly need and just want more.

I have been trying to follow the Healthcare debate closely given that my family is on the cusp of the $250K income earners. The one item i have been listening for is a sense of how much my premiums and co-pays will be reduced if I am taxed to contribute to the "Potential Heatlhcare Tax."

Tony, I am willing to pay an additional 1 – 2% more in taxes if on the back end I could save on co pay and premiums and even reduce my insurance cost because of proof of good health habits. I am also willing to give up a percent in taxes if we can accelerate the use of technology to maintain and share health records. Doctors and patients who use technology to conduct medical/health related business should also receive a tax break in return. We do it to encourage purchase of hybrid vehicles.

I'd give up my right to wasteful life prolonging healthcare for the elderly when death is unavoidable. If I can pay for it myself, great. But taxpayers should not have to pay more, just so our society can keep flushing money down the toilet.

I have lived in Texas all my life and have always paid tax on drinks and soda? What about paying more tax on cell phone service, i know we already pay alot of taxes ,but more have cell phones, even minimum wage workers. Maybe more taxes on all the electronics and new gadgets for communications

All of these people that you guys talk about on the news, that have no health insurance such as the lady who hada great job and got layed off then a monthe later got breast cancer is really tragc and upsetting but to think no this women has no money and no health insurance because this econmy with all if these people getting layed off why isnt the president and the govnerment trying to fix this. everything is just going to get worse more people are going to be homless and dieing nd other trriabl things i am just a kid but i know whats going on in this world and i want their to be peace and everything could be fixed i just want to know that people are trying

Tony

I Emailed You Yesterday With The Same Questions.

Who Pays For The Senators Healthcare
Who Pays For The Goverments Workers Healthcare.

We Do In Taxes, So No Goverment Employee Can Offer A Opinion As They Already Have A Goverment Run Plan Paying For Them

I Ask You And Your Colleagues To Give Up Your Paid Insurance And Address It On Your Own.

You Will See It Through A Different Set Of Eyes And Be Just Like The Rest Of Us. Looking For Help

I Have Run A Small Business For Over 30 Years And Have Paid For My Healthcare. It Has Become The Most Costly Expense And Can Increase Upto (3) Times A Year.

Thanks

If Everybody Was Dropped From Paid Insuance We Would Have A Level Playing Field And Change Would Be Immediate For The Good

tony- our family is willing to give up our current health care premiums if we will be given the same health care program our senate & house of representatives currently recieve; thru our taxes. why are the news media centering on what we must give up rather than what we are entitled to? will we now have nobles & countesses, after this new plan is pushed thru? we deserve the same benifits the gov't we sacrifice & pay for is currently recieving. humbly,,, boland family

Increase my taxes to help ensure that everyone can be insured; you never when the uninsured will be me or you.

I'm an Emergency Physician. If all of us give up some access to the courthouse, we can save 60% o emergency care, because that's what we spend in time and testing, not because the patient needs it, but to protect ourselves from lawsuits-all it takes is one to change a Doc's behaviour. For example, a child with an earache typically spends 2-3 hours in the ER. It should take 15 minutes. If that child develops leukemia 2 years later, I know I can be sued because I didn't do a blood count on that ear visit, and, "could have picked up the condition sooner." That's how we've been conditioned to think. I could give you a hundred examples. Sincerely, David Gray MD

I am currently un-employed. I do not think having health insurance is a right, it is a privilege when you work and are able to have your employer help you get insurance. But, making a law that demands all employers provide health insurance for all employees is ignorant. All that will accomplish is hurting smaller businesses that employ maybe only five to six people. I used to run a small business. We work sixty to eighty hours a week to stay open and accomplish our dreams. We do not need government regulations to hinder our growth. A business such as wal-mart will just cut employees and move on. That is their right. Anyone can make it in America. I know because I came from Germany. I do not want to pay higher taxes that is the reason I have to get an extra job so I can try to open my business again. Abolish medicaid and medicare and use that money to give every family and person the right to choose their own private insurance with the co-pays that working people have. That will not happen because too many people are comfortable in their situations.

I'd be willing to give up the opportunity to finance incredibly frivolous purchases that I know about by a few MDs I know of. I'd also give up whatever money I save by not having to pay current medical insurance rates and medical bills. That! amounts to over $7000 a year, based on last year's tax forms. (Not meds) What a doctor can do to help is awesome; so, ordinary people are forced to pay a ransom to get it. As a result some specialists think three homes are not too many. It is not too much to pay airfare to bring a favorite repairman to your home from 1000 miles away. Five 25-ft boats!? Yes! Of course they have to pay high insurance costs and operating costs, so we have to pay that too. My doctors have office that look like palaces. (Not like my old Greek OB/GYN, who saw patients in an old house with old furniture). Be fair! I have heard my Greek doc refuse pmts from a pt who "has had a lot of bills to pay or hardship". He told me "after a doctor earns (a given amount) he should be required to treat one patient free.' He was a very good man. If he is living, I hope he has as good a doctor.

I would be willing to pay a small percentage of higher taxes if we could have a balanced healthcare supported plan. As it is today, those of us who have healthcare through our employer see changes almost yearly to different healthcare plan. We are continuously changing our doctors so as to stay within network of the new insurance plan we get. We are forced to increase our payments and our co-payments and subjected to lower quality of healthcare every year. The companies are continuously struggling to keep the costs the same year after year and provide employees healthcare as best as they can. Keeping the same doctor and healthcare plan is a myth. This is not reality under an employer sponsored healthcare today!

Tony Im a 62 year old women who has no insurance and the fat cats talk about how people from canada have to come here for medical treatment, well if they didn't have mone they woldn't be able to get it just like all of us who are here . If I got cancer I wouldn't get the care because I can't afford it, so the republicans can just forget it Why don't they give up their insurance that we pay for and that would help pay for the insurance for peoiple who don't have it.

It always seems that the question arises, What am I willing to give up! I've worked all my life and been unemployed for a year. My wife is retired and we pay for our own insurance. The question never comes up about the select group of people that live on WELFARE, some into their 4th and 5th generation. Why doesn't the government use some of that money for health care benefits. It will still go to same people.

Sorry, but I have mixed feelings on this. I work very hard to make a salary. I don't want to pay for someone else's health care, particularly those who make no effort to work or for illegal immigrants. Why should I work my butt off just to give my hard earned dollars to someone who loves to live off of welfare or shouldn't be in this country at all? ......on the other hand, I am approaching retirement age and may not have easy access to affordable health care coverage once I retire, and I have a 21-year old son whose only working part-time who has no health insurance.
If the government can offer the U.S. citizen a choice between private and public healthcare and keep the increased taxes under 5%, then I might consider it.

Tony, you have a very compassionate and thought provoking show.

Our self employed family has had the same not-for-profit health plan for 20 years and yes the premiums have risen. Have some health issues in our family. Already we may have to give up our home instead of being able to retire so hard put to see what else to give up. Instead we try to volunteer in our community on a daily basis to help those less fortunate, such as allowing young people to stay in our home, but we've been doing this for 30 years.

Paying more taxes aside we see very little light at the end of the tunnel for people across the board whether you have health insurance or not. Think several of us have already "given up a lot" but now it is getting down to giving up some of the essentials we have struggled to have for our families all these years.

We should have a system similar to that of the NHS (UK), with taxes increasing for everyone and being more concentrated on the top 5% of total income earners. My annual salary is 146k and i would be willing to pay more taxes in order to ensure universal coverage.

hi tony,
my mother has been a nurse for 40 years; a chemotherapy nurse for 25 now. when health care reform was being discussed during the clinton admin., she wanted to discuss it but most health care professionals did not. now most health care professionals do. she is all for it. she says that it is a travesty of horrors for the sick and doctors/nurses alike when they are trying to get treatments for their cancer ridden patients approved by the insurance companies. Why? because science has moved along faster than insurance companies are allowing for. Necessary treatments are denied. People are denied life saving technology and nurses like my mom are left with their hands tied; then she needs to break this news to them and their families. Doctors and nurses alike are now more moving towards socialized medicine as a better option for their patients. We still have the science and technology. But our insurance companies aren't allowing us to use it. Thanks, joy

I am not willing to give up anything.....I'm just practical and have a sound framework of what the Constitution and founding fathers meant to be Americans. Government is not the solution. Matter of fact, Government is always the problem when advising the liberty and creativity of Americans......So no Taxes not one penny should be taken to pay for this ridicolous Health Care plan.

If the Administration wants every American cover, than lower the acceptance age of Medicaid and Medicare.....Start there.

Employees receiving company health insurance cover (and indeed. vehicles, housing and any other company funded benefit in lieu of income) are effectively receiving a salary benefit and the monetory equivalent of the benefit should be taxed as income.

The alternative would be for the employer to withdraw the benefit and instead pay the employee the monetory value, the employee can then purchase his own health insurance. Of course the additional salary in the employees pay packet would be taxed as income – so what's the difference?

Taxing insurance companies is not a sensible solution. Insurance companies will pass on the cost to the insured irrespective of any measures taken by government to prevent them from doing so, and it would have to be policed indefinately – a very costly beaurocratic and administrative overhead that would need to be paid from taxes!

Public education is good for our capitalisticdemocracy – few would argue differently- & a publically funded healthcare system is essential as well! Tax $ funds public education but anyone can choose a private education instead – the same would be true of a publically funded healthcare system!

Keep it simple. I would gladly pay an extra percent or two in taxes for healthcare benefits. President Obama recently gave me a $13 paycheck tax cut. Please take from that, to end the bickering and complex proposals.
P.S.: Take a few more dollars and give me an extra week's vacation, will you? That would be good for my health.

I do not think that anyone in this country should have to give up anything to pay for a healthcare system that works. Personally because of all my medical bills I have nothing left to give up. We have a government run free education system, mail system and garbage removal system. Why do they push the idea that a government run health system would be so disorderly and “Fascist” I think we need to take a look at the number one health care system in the world Frances health care system. French employees pay about 20 per cent of their gross salary to cover health care cost and Social security. At this point the children of the baby boomers will never see their Social security So where is this money going. If the money we put into S.S were used for our health care system not everyone wouldn’t have the need for social security. The people will be healthier at an older age and without paying for medical bills we all would have the money ourselves to put away towards retirement. Another suggestion I have is cigarettes cost an average of 10 dollars in Ny due to the ever increasing taxes put on them to fund commercials to prevent children from smoking. We also do this with drugs. From what Iv seen these commercials put the idea of using drugs and cigarettes into children’s minds when they would have never thought of using them before seeing the commercial. If we used the money we tax people for using such an unhealthy product towards health care we could collect an average of $ 7,160,254 every three years but this is with cigarettes alone. We have all heard talks of California legalizing marijuana. They are said to bring in 1.4 Billion dollars from the taxing alone This along with the taxes for cigarettes each state could cover their own populations health cost without increasing the taxes on anyone’s salaries. In The end I think If you need To go to a doctor or hospital you shouldn’t have the think first can I afford this. And for the people who think you will not get the care you need if the government runs the health care system I would like you to think about the people like me who have had to fight with their insurance company because they didn’t believe I needed a surgery that was life or death when I pay 1,000 a month to cover my family, and still have to pay 5,000 out of my pocket.

I am not willing to give anything. I work to hard to pay more taxes to cover people that have no insurance, illegals that should not get any benefits from us citizens, etc. The rich create jobs–the poor just take.

The majority of people with insurance won't need to give up anything unless you're wealthy. Many of us with insurance are already burdened with lack of choice,denial for procedures,increased costs with less coverage,government involvement,etc.. We've spent billions of dollars on a war no one needed. It's time to spend on the millions of Americans affected by this "broken system" It's time to put controls on these greedy insurance companies & other health care providers who will spend & do whatever is needed to maintain the status quo.

Today in America, everyone gets health care, no matter their ability to pay. All they have to do is show up at a hospital emergency room. I worked in a hospital for many years and no one was turned away. However, for some, the level of care may not be what they expected, but then, that is life. However, they did get the equal of everyone else. This country is the most generous on earth and now we are in a deep financial crisis. Have you noticed the long line of countries waiting to help us? Right... I am generous to a fault, but do not want to be held captive by the government and have my hard earn money stolen from me and used at the bureaucrat’s pleasure. We should start by reducing the income of all those holding political office by 50%. Next, remove their lifetime pensions and exclusive “Cadillac” healthcare programs, which they are eligible for and we cannot receive. Also, let’s not forget to suspend and permanently remove all the benefits of the past Senators/Congressmen etc. Additionally, immediately begin taxing all of those in “high paying” positions of the entertainment and sports community, NO ONE is worth millions of dollars a year, no one!. Let’s do it to the point that they are forced to live on the salary equal to the President of the United States. Oh, and don't forget the Post Master General who is making at least three times the paid income of our President. I never saw an organization, (US government), which paid a worker more than the Top Dog... You want reform? Then, let’s get back to some real perspective, I want to see Pelosi and the rest of the Conies, pay for health reform, not the average tax payer. Funny, how the “political,” never step up to the plate. They are always ready to be generous with the money of those they are elected to represent, but not their own. Until that happens, then I am against whatever they are proposing. If all our "Super Stars" had to work for the pittance of most of those they serve, I am sure we would see true reform. Thank you.

I'm not willing to give up anything, because any government run program will not be cost effective and will continue to push us further and further into debt. I believe the private sector can provide a much better solution to our Health Care problems, simply by the government eliminating restrictions on interstate health care plans for small businesses and assisting (not controlling) in pooling health care coverage for small businesses.
Remember, the government cannot give anyone anything, unless it first takes it from someone else. With a government run National Health Care system, get ready for more takeaways for everyone that pays taxes!

You're asking the wrong question. You should be asking our federal officials how much is the federal government willing to give up?

There are billions upon billions of dollars, funding a myriad of programs, that can be CUT from our bloated federal government.

If health care is considered a basic right by our federal officials, cut programs that are not needed and use the savings to fund universal public health insurance.

The wealthly are wealthly because either they earned it or someone in their family has earned. Either way its not the job of the government to unfairly pick out a sect of people, based on religion, skin color, or how much money someone makes and unfairly tax them. I would cared to remind everyone our Indepence was motivated over a 1 cent tax increase to tea. That was the measure and answer of our fore-father resolve to keep their hard earned money. I say stop robbing your fellow citizens and improve yourself.

Sorry for adding one more thought It bothers me when I hear that healthcare is a right. Taking it back to nature, sickness or injury would just naturally result in deaths. No right to health there. But in the light of the Golden Rule, – it is a responsbility.

This isn't an issue of wealthy vs. poor. It is an issue of healthy vs. unhealthy. There are so many things that we can do to change an unhealthy lifestyle. Sure, generally healthy people still get sick, but if they are already obese, with diabetes and high blood pressure, taking anti-anxiety and anti-depression medication, for example, they will fare much worse and will require more care than someone who maintains a healthy lifestyle. We will never fix health care until we realize that the best health care starts with ourselves and how we treat our bodies.

I used to live in a society with so-called universal health care. I just hope all women are ready to wait six months to a year for an appointment to gat a cancer screening. And if you happen to be an elderly, A lot of your health problems will be deemed not worthy to consider or care about. This is exactly what happened tin Germany my mother waited a year for a cancer screening. And by then it was too late.Wake up America crunch the numbers, simply taxing the so-called rich willnot work. It is the middle class working people that will carry the burden. Meanwhile there are people that do not want to work and benefit even more for doing nothing.

What Am I Willing To Give Up For Health Care/Insurance?

Tony, this is what I think the government should do. I don’t think that the government should taxed the really rich. I think everyone should be responsible for this tremendous task.

1) Like the government take out social security and Medicare taxes from our income, I think the government should do the same thing with a National Healthcare Insurance Tax (NHIT) to be deducted from every ones income.

2) Special taxes should be levied/deducted on the following items to help defray the high cost of (NHIT):

1. Insurance Benefits (Settlements from lawsuits)
2. Workers Compensation Benefits
3. Special 1% tax from all income
4. A national once cent sales tax on all items to be collected over a 10 year period.
5. A national one cent tax on all movie tickets and entertainment events

This is just a few ideals that I had. I really don’t think it’s fair to live off the back of the rich when we all can do for ourselves. At the present time I’m a single father of two. And I receive Food Stamps and Medicaid for them. In as much as I am poor, I think the National Healthcare Tax is worthy. I really appreciate my Medicaid for me and my children. If not for the Medicaid my children would not have received adequate medical care.

Again, I charge that the government not tax the rich only, for everyone in the United States should be responsible for this overwhelming task. I don’t really mind making the above sacrifices so that every one in the United States will have adequate healthcare.

Thank you
Jerry O. Adams, III.

Those that aren't willing to give up anything sicken me. It is a proven fact they and their offspring are always first in line with their hands out! People with this mind set believe in "trickle down" well trickle down works really well when it comes to nations in decline. What I am not willing to give up is my country. What I am willing to give up is whatever it takes to get health care for everyone!

why you deciced to make this question? I saw the movie SICKO I felt very sad about americans and about this country. I have been living in this country for more than a year, I am a permanent resident. I like the United States there are wonderful things about this country but about healthcare is an issue that shows a country that is not doing the right.
I am seeing people that can't go even to emergency room without healthcare coverage. I come from a country that gives FREE heathcare,even if people lives on street, education, housing and other things at the same time we have a free market, people pay more taxes than amreicans and everyone is happy. Please heathcare is a RIGHT not a BUSINESS.

The only thing that we need to give up is health insurance companies. They only spend 65 cents of every premium dollar on healthcare, their estimated premium dollars represent less then 35% of national healthcare expenditures (per Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services stats), their "plans" require gatekeepers (costs) at every step in the healthcare delivery process, and medical providers are spending 10% of their reimbursement revenue filling out different forms for each different insurer plus answering inumerable questions designed to delay the reimbursement process which extends up to 4 months or more. All those costs go away when we have a Medicare for All insurance program which spends 95% of funding dollars on healthcare.

Nothing is quite as foolish as requesting choice because a well designed Medicare for All would be comprehensive, covering pharmaceuticals, dental, vision, mental, and most medical procedures that were not principally cosmetic. And a Medicare for All program would electronically track all process and procedures giving oversight into how to be better managers and to establish audit metrics to uncover fraud and abuse. None of this is available with private insurance companies.

Tony,
Health Care reform is a huge topic. The public is finally engaged and we need to continue this discussion. I do not want to pay higher tax in order to create a new larger federal bureaucracy. I want to pay for my own family health care, donate directly to my neighbors if they need help with their medical bills. I think that a universal public plan, which seems to be the current direction, would be a degradation in the health care for most citizens. This legislation must not be rushed through. We will end up living with this decision for generations so we need to get it right.

I personally would be willing to pay more taxes for a universal health care system.
I am sick of these people who are exorbitantly wealthy who are making the rules and at the same time milking the common Joe.
I uderstand the concept of being responsible for my health care. That is why I say I am willing to pay extra taxes for a universal plan that helps people get the coverage they need and at the same time it wouldn't cause them to lose everything they have worked for all of their lives.
As I get older I know that my health will
gradually get worse. That is a given. I recognize that there are things that I can do to slow the progression. I don't want to imagine losing everything because some health care system is making a lot of money for someone else at the expense of my losing everything I have workeds for all of my life.
Greed should not be the deciding factor in health care. It is a shame that greed is even in the equation. It is a moral issue. Have we as a society gotten so bad that we do not even recognize this.
Would we milk a family member for everything just to line our pockets when he/she needed us the most? I would certainly hope not!
We should be willing to help all. Not just the ones who can line our pockets.
That is my two cents.

So what I'm hearing is Obama is okay with 260,000 more jobs being lost. 90,000 from aviation and the 170,000 from the auto industry...sounds like he wants everyone to rely on the government!!!

I would be willing to have my employer paid health care taxed in order to provide an affordable national option that anyone could by into. I make approximately $55,000 per year and I am certainly willing to pay taxes on this health benefit (and it's no "cadalac plan"!)– frankly, I don't know why I should get it for free when others have to pay the entire bill. I would rather that everyone be able to purchase a reasonably priced comprehensive plan than for things to continue as it is. Thanks!

I say we should all pay an additional $25/year flat tax for 10 years to make up for the 1Trillion sort fall and for the transformational changes that need to be made.

I really hate these simplistic questions that seek to pit Americans against each other instead of trying to get us all to work together! You are carrying out the opposition's plan perfectly and this is why we are still trying to resolve this issue for decades.

The most egregious problem with our current health system is that someone who is laid off loses health coverage at the same time. The current option is to sign up for the expensive Cobra proram at the time you have just lost a major source of income. That is insane. But do any of the health care reforms the Congress is considering address that?

I am willing to pay for it from graduated taxes on personal incomes and net profits of companies..

I have never been on public assistance. I am willing to pay my share for the uninsured, because it is the Christian thing to do. I find it strange that the very people who look down their noses at Democrats and claim to be so holy are against providing health care for those less fortunate. I challenge those members of Congress to practice what you preach!

Nothing. We have a health financial crisis not a healthcare crisis. Every state offers guaranteed insurance that all 46 million can buy into. People buy houses at the beach and take the risk of hurricanes. We can solve this by giving tax credit and having pools of insurance that uninsurable people can buy into.

I am willing to give up nothing, it is for each person to be an end to him or herself. By what right does the government say that it is entitled to give my money to someone else? By what right?

I'm willing to give up AIG's bonuses and the other extravagant amounts of money paid to CEOs and other corporate heads. They don't need those extra millions of dollars to pay for their healthcare.

To Tom from Colorado:

Great ideas, but one observation, your list is to short.

The government should stop spending money on frilovous programs...

Oh, here is an idea, vote them ALL out of office next election!

I've already lost our house and cars and now am divorced and living in public housing all because of two words, pre-existing condition. Back in 1991. It all started in 1986. THIS HAS GOT TO STOP!!!

Come on! This country is full of whiners and selfish people. What happened to our country? When did we become a ME society? We all know that health care needs to be broken down and done all over again. Do people believe it will cost nothing? Its absurd to want changes and think that no cost to us is possible. But when it comes to the health of a society there is a human cost involved and that is not something to put a price on. Of course I would help to pay for others to have health care. It is costing us for them not to have it anyway.

I'm not will to give up anything to pay for uninsured/underinsured American unless the are will to help themself first. Most of diets are unhealthy, this cause un-needed expense to the system. Why should I pay for someone bad habit? Smoker pays for their bad habits. For those that does take care of themself, I'm will to pay more taxes to help them.

I have four adult children, two have great health insurance plans through their work, two work with no benefits. The two with no benefits pay taxes on 100 % of their earnings. The two with benefits do not pay income taxes on that portion of their income. Not very fair to my way of thinking.

I'd be willing to pay an additional 2% in income taxes. In addition, by providing universal coverage. Has anyone considered the fact that medicaid and medicare would also be in included? These programs could be phased out or eliminated. Those monies would help offset the cost of these "new insurance" programs.

This note isn't related to Health Care, but to the F22 that was just discussed. Senator McCain was quoted as saying that the F22 has never flied a mission over Irag and Afghanistan. That isn't it's mission! It is a fighter jet and there aren't other fighter jets in Irag and Afghanistan. Please don't continue to repeat Senator McCain's misguided rhetoric.

I would be willing to give up being the Number 1 Military Super Power, I would be willing to give up Fighting two wars, I would be willing to give up America providing foreign aid

Tony, if I had a trillion dollars, I will give all of it to help pay for the cost of health care.

I am willing to pay up to $100 more in taxes so everyone can have health care. The tax form has a $1 donation option for election costs. Perhaps we should add a flexible donation option for supporting health care coverage for all. If elections are important so is health care.

I'm willing to give up what I pay for health insurance already.

What would I be willing to give up so somebody else can have health care? Not a darn thing. Let them earn it themselves. I'm sick of having to give up stuff so lazy poor bums can have something for free. Enough is enough. We already give them welfare, food stamps, earned income credit, medicaid, subsidized housing, heating bill assistance, and more. Thats more than enough welfare.

I just watched the Aaron Russo documentary on income tax. Apparently we do not by law have to pay them! All the money goes to the federal reserve to pay for the money they make for us! So this is what I would be willing to give up, paying income tax.

Yes Tony, I am willing to give up my telephone or cable or cell phone or internet service. I would sacrafice any one or two of them inorder for my grandson who has a bad case of kronn's deasease get decent insurance. He works part time and misses many of his doctor appointments and meds because he just cant afford the deductable all the time.

I would be happy to give up $1,000,000. a day if I had it to counteract the amount the insurance companies are spending to convince us the government plan is bad for us. Do people really think they have our best interest at heart?

Maybe if those voting for or against health care for the people had no health care or had to pay co pays things would go easier

I am willing to give up or sacrifice my comforts and luxuries to help pay for healthcare for everyone. I am even willing to be taxed. Healthcare is no joke and is a very, very serious matter. People are sick, and dying, and have no coverage or are afraid to seek medical care. Simply because of cost, refusal of service, and more frustrations.

President Obama is right. He needs all of our support. Especially the rich and comfortable.

Thank you,
Nicholas

If this healthcare plan goes through, the one thing I would have to give up, is my healthcare. I am 79 yrs. old, and would not be willing to give that up. We senior citizens would just be "out of luck" and too old to do anything for.

We hear all about the "uninsured" Americans, but who are these people? From all that I've heard and learned about, they represent those 18-24, those who have chosen not to take advantage of their employer sponsored health care, and those who have not taken advantage of Medicare/Medicaid. If this is so, we are looking to revamp an entire health care system to accommodate these people. Looking at the currently run government health care systems, I'm AFRAID of the government taking over health care. Why is Obama in such a rush? Haste makes waste – and health care rushed will be a lot of change that cannot be undone; which our children will be carrying the brunt of for lifetimes to come. Take the time necessary and do it right.

TONY,
I WOULD BE WILLING TO GIVE UP PAYING FOR HEALTH CARE FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS.

I am not willingto give up anything when they keep telling us there are 46 million uninsured. They have twisted the fugures to make it look bad. Do you know the 46 million includes 15 million illegals 6 million that could be on government health care but haven't signed up and another 15 million or so that make over $80,000 a year but don't want any at this time. There are really only about 10 million that don't have it and can't afford it. We should do something for them but not the others. What program has the government ever run that has been a success in terms of costs and results? None

I am willing to give up the senators' and congressman & congresswomens' current government run health care coverage they currently enjoy.

I would like more information on the proposal to cut health care costs by taxing the un-insured. This sounds like the most rediculas proposed solution I have heard. Why not go farther and tax medicade receipents for their meager benefits, or the homeless get charged a property tax on their cardboard box home.

I think we should give insurance companies an option. They should offer a coverage plan to everyone ( even with pre existing conditions) at the same price or the insurance company should pay a tax.

When Congress and the Executive Office stop the pork barrel spending, tell us what has happened to the Stimulus package, give all of us the same coverage Congress has, Stop spending our money. Then maybe I'll give up something, Not until then. We already have given up our jobs and some of our right to privacy. We are already wasting money! why not tweek the medicaid and medicare programs to include the uninsured and have them pay a fee based on sliding scale. Government needs to stay out of the private sector!

You keep assuming that it'll cost individuals more if the House health insurance reform passes. But it will actually cost people less.

The Canadian province that taxes people the highest amount for Health Care charges $1200 a YEAR for full family coverage. Most private insurance in the US costs more than that for a month. I may have gotten a $200 tax break from Bush, but my health insurance costs went up by more than $5000.

Public option health insurance will cost less than we are paying now.

I can't give anything UP. I am already an indentured servant to the state of California and the federal government.

I owe 30,000 because I wanted to become a teacher.
Each time I turn around I am ask to do more with less.

Why is it the more I work to try to become successful the more I feel punished! I know this sounds negative! but Geez I should have just had 6 kids and then I would have gotten free school and food.

We need to stop providing money to people who feel entitled to everything but do nothing to empower themselves.

I would be willing to give up the huge salaries and bonuses of the senior officers of the HMO's and the perks taken by our congressmen and senators.

I'm willing to let my senators and representatives take a pay cut and not have any pay raises until they are willing to stop playing games with the lives of the people who put them there.

I'm willing to give up insurance lobbists, insurace CEO's and insurance profits, I'm also willing to give up war.

Are you kidding me CNN? I mean are you serious with this question?
I almost fell out of my chair when I saw this on the screen.

What do you call Medicare?
What do you call Medicaid?
A huge chunk is taken out of my paycheck every month for those two health care insurances: one for the elderly, one for the very poor. And I am glad to do so. But enough with the socialist agenda pleasee!! And one more thing- How do we fix the horrible problem of an out of control malpractice system? Do you not think that health costs would be reduced dramatically if docs, from pcps to specialists stopped ordering unnecessary tests for the simple reason that they are afraid of being sued?Now, what, You want me to take money out for the middle class as well?
The better questions would be, what would YOU give up to get health insurance? Cable TV? I-phone? the twice a month Movie? Cigarettes?
Please. This question sound like it came from Karl Marx himself! What- did someone revive him?

Hardly a day goes by when we are not reminded that we are a "Christian" nation. What more "Christian" thing could we do than to sacrafice so that our neighbors all have health coverage and are able to get quality health care. "To whom much is given, much is expected". Time to step up and put our money where our mouths are.

non-Christian, middle-class retiree.

To create a better health care system I'm willing to give up - 800 B1 bomber, 1500 cruise missiles, stop manufacturing F-22 jets, stop underwater sonar testing, and give up 5 Halliburton military contracts.

so let me get this straight.....cut jobs.....expand welfare.......way to go MR.President

I am single and have an annual income of less than $50,000 including approximately $10,000 in Social Security. $9,000 of that SS payment is taxed. I would be willing to incurr total taxation of that SS amount. My tax is small by comparison to those of larger incomes, but it everyone in my bracket would make the same pledge, the funding gap would be significantly reduced.

JoAnne

I am self-employed and can't get private insurance due to pre-existing disease clauses and inability to pay the huge premiums. I don't own a house or car so can't give those up to pay for health care. I would give up cable TV if I could get health care in return. Anyway, I'm tired of listening to wealthy congressmen and overpaid media people telling us "we" can't afford health care reform.

I'm willing to give up what ever is necessary to ensure that everyone has coverage. I had an injury 2 years ago that literally changed my life. I had a good job with a 6 figure income, good health insurance, money saved, 401K, etc. Now, my 401K is gone, I have no money saved and recently lost my job and have a pre-existing condition. You never know when your situation will change, or when an injury or illness will change your life.

I moved from Rome, Italy 6 years ago, I'm healthy and I pay $200 for my Health Insurance every month. If I have to file a claim, they treat me like a car, an object, and i still have to pay a part of the bill.

In Italy, like in Canada, health support is NOT free, a portion of our taxes go to health departments, but it would be around $10 a month, not $200.

Plus if you really want to get an MRI and can't wait 3 weeks for one, you can still go to a private facility and pay $100 to get one, you know how much it cost here? $3,000.

Just like public school, i don't have kids, why part of my taxes go to PUBLIC SCHOOLS? What if I have kids and i send them to private school? Why are you still taking my money in taxes?

Because EDUCATION is the base of freedom, and a government should invest in education and public schools.

So why can't the government take care of citizens' health?

I would not be willing to fund a governmentr-un healthcare system because I've seen how inefficent, and inequitable they are. My mother was diagnosed with oral cancer soon after her Insurance carrier dropped her, forcing her to rely on the state of Texas to treat her. She had to wait months (7) before receiving chemo and radiation. Not only that, there were so many loopholes we had to deal with, meanwhile she was getting progressively worse. She passed away last August and although we were sadden by her passing, we were elated she didn't have to endure this so called answer to healthcare for the less fortunate.
I would be willing to pay extra for those luxury items and activities that aren't necesary to survival. Things like cigarettes, alcohol, some food items, flatscreens, luxury cars, etc. This would ensure that those who in need of healthcare would be doing their share to pay for it as well.

I think that this Health Care Reform will affect everyone in a negative way. I lost my husband last year, a great doctor, for almost 30 years. He ran the emergency room and was a great boss to approx. 300 people-all of whom loved working for him. If he were still here with me, he'd be freaking out about this bill. He always told me that he felt that healthcare professionals weren't paid enough, in general...But, most esspecially from the current government programs (Mediacare/ Medicaid)...So, why will this be any better for them, or for the patients? Doctors should be respected for their work in the community. They go to school for many years and dedicate their lives to being good doctors...And what about all the other health care professionals, who we all need at some point...These people deserve to have their job security and I know for a fact that many of them now are very worried about this bill being passed. Doctors will be flooded with more patients; They will need more PA's, nurses, CPN's, etc-But, they won't be making as much money, so they will have less money to pay their employees. These are the people who take care of us when we need help, when we're sick, hurt, in pain.... If they're not being paid as much, then the quality of the service will go down, obviously. It's a snowball effect....Although I miss my husband every single day more than ANYTHING in the world, I AM SO GLAD that He DIDN'T have to see this. I hope and pray that the bill won't pass–Everyone needs to write letters to their Senators, to Congress, etc....Tell them to read the bill before passing it! Tell them to pass the bill ONLY if they would be happy to be covered under that bill, along with their family. I'm pretty sure they don't want that! We DO NOT need our Government controlling our health care!

I would be willing to give up the junk food that makes people sick with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. But it takes a lot of self control when these temptingly delicious items are also very inexpensive. So I would propose the following taxes. Items that carry a social cost should pay for that cost.

Tax unhealthy (high saturated fat and high sugar) foods to help cover the costs of treating diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Also quit subsidizing them (as in high fructose corn syrup). Just as higher cigarette taxes discourage smoking to some degree, making unhealthy items more expensive will provide some prevention.

Tax gun and ammunition industries and any industry profiting from violence or the glorification of violence (TV, movies, video games, music – in proportion to the percentage of violent content) for violent crime’s cost to health care and society.

Tax industries profiting from the promotion of promiscuous or unsafe sex (TV, movies, music) to help cover the cost of AIDS, STDs, and teenage pregnancy.

Tax alcohol for the cost society incurs for alcohol abuse: rehab programs, injuries and deaths from drunk driving accidents, treatment of domestic violence.

Tax polluters as well as the tobacco industry for the cost of treating the cancers their pollution and products cause.

Add a 10% luxury tax to vanity (non-reconstructive) plastic surgeries to help pay for life saving procedures for people who can’t afford them.

These taxes would promote overall health along with helping to pay for health care.

I would like to see some action taken to take away the health care plans for our US congressman and senators – give them what the rest of the country has. Also, their retirement should be Social Security, thus they would qualify for Medicare. These lifetimers in Washington DC are breaking the government with the retirement they are given.

Congressmen and Senators are no better than anyone else, so why do they receive the best of everyting??

My health insurance copays and deductibles cost me more every year, I wonder how much they pay in copays and deductibles ??

I am lucky enough to have excellent group coverage and in the past year have had a very specialized major surgery that prevented me from going blind. But I see other people in an online support group for people with my condition, who have to go months or longer and fight their insurers for authorization for surgery – or worse yet, those that do not have coverage. There is a chance that I could need another surgery several years out. If universal coverage meant that perhaps I would be more limited in the choice of my surgeon, or that it was more difficult to schedule it, that would be totally acceptable given the benefits of timely coverage for everyone.

I lived for a while in a country with universal health insurance. It is truly a different and better world. I truly believe the pride and the benefits joining the rest of the developed world and providing universal coverage to all Americans will soon win over skeptics. I despair every time I see donation jars set up by cash registers to help hardworking people who can't afford health insurance.

I would not object to a 10% increase of what I have to pay for my Health Insurance if it would help those that want/need Health Insurance but cannot afford it. I DO NOT want my dollars, taxes – to go to those who can afford Health Insurance but opt not to have any.
Why are we not looking at the program in Massachusetts where Health Insurance is mandatory. I know it is still having growing pains, but it is a good start, and sort of a mirror of what the current proposal could be.
BTW those in Massachusetts for opt not to be covered are monetarily penalized.

Is Congress willing to give up the Government paid for health plan they get as congress men and women. If they can't vote to help us poor people then they should forfeit theirs.

Someone needs to explain why there is never any problem taxing tobacco but never touches alcohol. Tax all alcohol and put money into health care.

I would be willing to pay a bit more in taxes if I knew that health care would be available to all Americans who were qualified for it (excluding illegal immigrants who are failing to take the path to American citizenship).

I am already living cost consciously and I think that all Americans need to do away with the free-wheeling, it's all about me, my ride & my flat screen mentality that has brought us low as a nation. If we took the time to act as a unified country and as the Americans in the spirit we profess to the rest of the world then we could accomplish responsible health care. We could accomplish anything to turn our country around.

Tony,

I think the premise that we need to give up something to reform healthcare is specious. Reforming healthcare is essential and beneficial to al of us. However, I would certainly be willing to give up the status quo. Our current healthcare system is a failure; the costs continue to rise astronomically, co-pays continue to increase as our benefits and coverage shrinks, and there are millions of Americans without coverage.

I don't see why this is so hard to get done. All we need to do is lower health care cost, cut expenses elsewhere, this war would be a good place to start and there are way to many people in government with high salaries. Taxes on the rich should go up to the rates in the clinton era. I am not really crazy about government health care but something has to be done and it has to be paid for. I would like to see a USA that has healthcare free for all americans. You go to the doctor or hospital and you just get taken care of, for a plan like that i would gladly pay higher taxes. If we would make drugs cheaper and overall healthcare cheaper this too would be possible.

Rich to me is being able to pay my bills and have some left over for trips and dinner out, and unlike my greedy republican friends, I don't mind paying more taxes for services. I do mind making up for big tax breaks in California for three large corporations.

I would be willing to pay a little more in taxes-But I think We need another stimulis package -one that would be worked out to give people one million dollars to spend on a few things.The president would need to get it worked out as to the specifics but the money could be used to buy houses,cars.Pay for many other things and infuse a lot of money into the economy because those receiving the money would have to spend it on certain things in a given time frame-just give the money to those that can use it not the money hungry giant companies that give bonuses to their own instead of using the money wisely

How does the proposed health care reform address the continuing invasion of illegal aliens, who do and will impose ever increasing costs on the medical service community? I am willing to watch the members of Congress give up their self promoted privileges in terms of their retirement and medical coverage in exchange for what they impose on their constituents!

I've been giving up a lot my entire life in order to pay for my health insurance. I think a lot of the uninsured are people like me who have jobs and would be willing to pay a small portion of the premium themselves. I don't think it should be totally free. They should pay a small portion for the premiums. That seems the fairest way and would raise the rest of the money needed. Why isn't this being discussed?

My husband and I have nothing more to give up!!!

Healthcare cost in America are ridicules. It is time for real change, we have to face some hard facts and do what is necessary to pay for it. Maybe its time to look at raising the sales tax instead taxing certain groups. Everyone would be paying then.

First things first, governmnet spending needs to be more closely monitored to ENSURE that money is being spent properly. Next, we need to see the really big picture. Whoever gets taxed, be it the "rich", insurance companies, or soda drinkers, it will be a trickle down effect and everyone will have a hand in paying for this. That being said, I believe that everyone should be willing to pay a tax increase to get this reform done. But thre President needs to get this right so this can be part of the basic fundamentals of the country.

Let's see... I am a father of three kids, work three jobs and although I would be a beneficiary of all these "wonderful" programs, I don't want them. Cases could be made for paying for all your kids' clothes and yours so you could work. They could be made for taxing more to pay all transportation costs for each person below the poverty line (whatever that means) and the "programs" are endless. My wife and I make less than $30k per year but make it work and we pay for our own insurance. Not everyone can, but without sacrifice, they will become dependent on the system. Don't do that to them.

I feel we should Tax the very Rich people like Bill Gates as well as any one who is a millionaire and can afford it the most. I also wonder if we can hel other Nation in giving Aid and Money to them then why Can not the Congress help the American people with health Care. How would Each House of Repenstive and Senate feel if they had No Health care at all that the Taxpayer are paying for their health care even when they leave office. We need Our Medicare insurance to improve better to help people who is retire even in the coming year when they retire. I hope Congress has a whole will give the President a good Health care for all of us as a whole.

Why are Republicans giving the president such a hard time? Health care is needed for all americans. I know what it is like to pay for insurance and when you need it you are denied. I am one of the lucky ones. The Medical University Of South Carolina, saved my life even though I could not pay a dime. They did not focus on the dollar amount. They focused on saving my life. Republicans can sit back and complain about cost I wonder if they would feel the same if it was them are there love ones without Insurance or paying a insurance premium and when you need to use it be told you are not covered. They need to stop politicing with people lives.

To create a better health care system I’m willing to give up — 800 B1 bombers, 1500 cruise missiles, stop manufacturing F-22 jets, stop underwater sonar testing, and give up 5 Halliburton military contracts.

The real political question is – what do you think everyone should be FORCED to give up.

So much for "the land of the free".

Why should I pay for the 35 year old male (unemployed or not) who smokes, watches cable TV, drinks beer evry weekend, and has a boat and goes fishing every weekend?

It amazes me that people dont realize that when you pay for MEdicare and Medicaid YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING FOR SOMEONE ELSE'S HEALCTH CARE! And that's ok, because it is for the elderly, the infirm, the very poor.

But this is a middle class social welfare mandate and I am not for it one bit! ANd Obama: stop shoving this half -a$$ed proposition down our throats!

I would be willing to give up being bombarded with advertisements from the pharmaceutical industry every time I turn on the television. While the Rx companies are busy spending enormous amounts of money on these ads, turning patients into consumers, they are also spending huge amounts to cultivate their relationships with doctors. Generics work just fine and cost SO much less. This, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg. I think it is about time we expect relief to come from those who have enjoyed unheard of profits, and stop expecting the consumer to foot the bill (yet again!)

I don't think it should be about giving up things...it should be about sharing the burden for something that we as a society decide is a benefit to us all. As such, a surtax should be added to those things that encourage the thing we are trying to introduce into our society. That said, introduce a surtax on things that discourage healthy living...junk food, soft drinks, cigarettes, etc., etc. the list is too long to create and remove tax on those items we want to encourage...fruits, vegetables, etc. That way we are all sharing and benefiting from the costs!

I am always willing to give and will if it is necessary. My husband and I are both blue collar labor. It is not easy keeping a job with benefits in today's world but we have been lucky so we can give more if we need to. First the country needs to look at waste. How about some of the F22's that have never been used. We spent billions on them. Maybe we should stop that type of wasteful expenditure. The Government still has waste in a big way and the F22's are only one example.
Point is we can all give a little and that would solve the money issue for health care. I have a friend that works as an in home care giver. This job used to be part of our local hospital and it had a better wage AND health benefits. Now this job has been outsourced to a private company for lower wages and NO benefits. She just found out she has breast cancer and is terminal because it went to her lungs. She was told that she has only a few months before it could end up in her brain and they are waiting to start treatment because she does not have insurance. She is trying to get benefits through another source without having to quit her job, but this takes time to get in the program so she is waiting to start treatment because she can't afford it. There is no excuse for that in this country. I am double covered and I guarantee that I would not be waiting for Chemo. She might die because she did not have insurance. She is a hard worker and deserves better.
Kelly Sidebottom
Palmer Alaska

People are dying because of not having health insurance. I would be willing to have my Social Security taxed to offer universal coverage. I would trust an elected government to make medical judgments about my life more than profit motivated insurance companies.

After more than 30 years as a health care professional I firmly believe that tobacco is a major contributor to the cost of health care. Most of my patients in ICU are there as a result of smoking related organ failure. A five dollar a pack tax would go a long way towards paying for the cost of a public health care system as well as discourage smoking by American youth. Why are we calmly accepting this highly poisonous substance in our society?? We are all paying for the damage caused by tobacco companies.
In addition my life's work has convinced me that health care itself is inefficient, overly costly and dangerous. Practice error, medication error, and poor process design cost the US immeasurable treasure. Strictly enforced safety and quality regulation is a must if we are going to take responsibility to lower the costs.

My insurance premiums go up every year to help uninsured people now. I am totally against the health plan and any tax increases at this time. Some of our states are facing the same problem of California, and now government wants more taxes. The rich people of the country, may just leave and many small businesses may just close and go on the government dole. And no one is mentioning that many medical school students will go into different fields, they are not going to want to practice under.government rules. Finally, the American people have a right to see and read the bill before they form an opinion on it.

When the President and Congress give up taking their families on extravagant vacations abroad at tax payers' expense, I will give up vacations I can't afford to plan with my family!

Has any body answered the question- How many of the so-called 46 million uninsured are
a) Uninsured because they choose to be
b) Illegal and undocumented
??

This is a fraudluent inflated number that the federal gov often uses to hurry this "program" down our throats.

I say Enough with this socialist agenda, Obama.

I am in the $50,000 to $100,000 tax bracket and am willing to give a 0.5 % increase in my taxes.

IF IT IS RECOGNISED THAT
The distribution of our wealth has been controlled by the rich and powerful who allocate most to themselves and spread what little is left to the rest of the people. This is called Plutocracy; not democracy; not a representative Republic; certainly not socialism.
They have convinced us that they will create jobs if they are entrusted with the money; they have not kept their promise. Give the President a chance to try a different way.
We can balance the budget if the wealthiest people paid a little more for government services.
Increase the taxes by 1% on AGI's from $100,000 to $250,000. 5% on AGI's over $250,000.
This should not be a burden or affect the lifestyles of any of these people. They certainly wouldn't feel it as much as someone living on $50,000 who sees a 10% increase in food costs.

why CAN'T MOST PEOPLE RECOGNIZE THIS ?

Beware, companies are looking to only give employees a certain amount of monies to go towards health insurance. This means you (the employee) will have to find your own insurance. What will happen when insurance companies deny you coverage due to pre-existing conditions? Oh, yes, you could pay $1,600.00 or more a month for health care, plus the high deductable ($5,000 or more), and the 30-70 percentage, etc. . . MMMM. . at minimum wage????? Try to live on that! You don't know what it is like until it happens to YOU!

I am not willing to pay for more in taxes unless:
1. tax the insurance and pharmaceutical industries and if they pass it on to consumers, cap them.

2. list the names of the lawmakers who are under the pockets of these 2 or more (oil, cigarettes?) PACS.

If we can cut the costs of the drugs which I believe we gave tax credits with the research and studies of their drugs, cigarettes which cost taxpayers in increase of cancer diseases, we should reap from their millions (billions) of dollars in profits. The pills are easy to manufacture (machines do them now)

The Christian Nation of America is showing its true allegiance with it's debate over health care.

I would remind the American People that Jesus Christ, whom you say you worship but instead crucify again and again with your bickering said, "When you do it unto the least of these my brothren, you do it unto me."

Me, I would be willing to give up all!

I am not at all satisfied with anything I have heard regarding any of the options for a National Health Care program. The only thing the President and Congress can do is spend money without ensuring value or guidelines to be sure the money isn't wasted or used to line pockets of company executives. They have a proven record of incompetence that has worsened over the past several months. The US spending is driving the US to financial disaster. The president calls for everyone to tighten their belts and control spending, yet he is doing just the opposite with our money.
I am not willing to give anything for a National Health Care program. I am concerned about a new Health Care program that will spend billions of dollars on non US citizens. I can only hope that all the politicians will be required to participate in the program without any special treatment. The President has repeatedly said that middle class people earning under $250K annually will not see any new tax, so these people won't be ask to give up or pay anything for a new Health Care program. Who believes this now?
The media continues to pick and chose and slant all the news releases to show this administration in a favorable light, which I don't understand. I see that CNN will be reviewing these responses for posting so I know this response will not be posted.

S CArpenter said that republicans run all of the corrupt banks that made evreryone poor.

For your information, people, Bill Clinton and his cronies de-regulated these banks in the 90s and nobody said a thing! get your facts straight!

I am willing to give up the safety of hipocracy that many americans. I served in the armes service and I and my family was stationed over seas. We know who's robbing americans and it's not the uninsured. We spend more on putting americans that live in highly policed areas and those agencies are the modern pinkertons of our time. Why is it legal to buy a pack of spokes that has more chemicals in them than the pesticides that I put out to kill weeds and pest. We spend millions to put so called criminals in jail for marijuana but those who clearly have broken the law, such as the last admin' they get a pass.
Lets get real people and realize that we are stronger than any elected official; we only care when it directly fx us as individuals.

Why not make it a voluntary payroll deduction for those who want to do this!

I would be willing to give up a lot, in higher taxes or whatever it takes. I work for a hospital and you would think my health care coverage is excellent. But I was diagnosed at the age of 54 with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is incurable. Unless I die with something else first, I will die from my cancer, maybe in 2 years, maybe in 5 years, maybe in 10 years. I am not yet eligible for Medicare and won't be for several years. I cannot get additional coverage because of my pre-existing condition. One infusion of my treatment to keep my disease in remission costs $20,000. I am afraid my benefits will run out before I am Medicare-eligible, if I live that long. So even though I work at a hospital, I face the prospect of running out of health insurance! Because of this fear, I have had to reduce the number of my treatments. So I certainly understand and am sympathetic to the dilemma of others who face similar situations.

what i see is that many of us seem very selfish, now i know why i believe in the biker mentality, you help out a brother.....

i have more that once given a brother my last $ or my last bit of food...

i have never heard that any health care reform was going to be free as i see it nothing is free.... we all pay in some way.. when we learn to respect those that deserve it our world may be a better place.

We're ignoring the obvious: we, Americans, already pay for the uninsured through a "hidden tax" when the only recourse they have is to go to the emergency room for health care. Most of the costs of treating the uninsured are borne either explicitly by local taxpayers and self-pay patients or implicitly by businesses and their employees who pay the “hidden tax” in higher premiums.

Hello Tony: I've been watching cnn for years and it just blows my mind what people in the US expect from their Government. They agreed with bush going to Iraq, they want free health care, want bailouts, more police protection, more terrorist protection, want more and more and of course, lower taxes. The latter is the crux of the dilemma your country is in now. I can understand with all the tax cuts that were given by the Bush admin is the reason why every Government, State and Federal, is in such a state and with all your problems that you've incurred over the past eight years,you should have been paying more taxes. The debate now is healthcare reform. I'm Canadian and don't mind paying extra taxes for the health care we have in our country. It is worth every dollar.

Yes, I would pay my share in taxes to help you, me, and those who cannot help themselves. Keeping in mind that an entire history of civilization is marked by the ups and downs around redistributing wealth when only a few have it.

As a 77yr.old user of Medicare I would give up the many expensive tests prescribed by my doctors which add so much to the overall cost of medicine and only serve to lengthen one's life and add very little or no quality. Old age needs to be accepted and the futile attempts to hold on to every minute in whatever condition the patient is should be better controlled.

This is a difficult question for me as a small buisness owner who provides health and dental coverage for my 7 employees. If I am alreay providing health coverage at a cost of over $3000/month out of my pocket. What more can or should I have to give up. Why should I have to pay more taxes, or a surcharge to pay for those who will not pay anything. Also, as a health care providers husband we already provide thousands of dollars of care to people who cannot or will not pay for the service that we have to provide. Also, we have to continually fight insurance companies to get paid for the services we provide, costing us thousands more in lost time and energy. The reimbursement rates are staying the same for years on end as our cost of doing business to keep up with government regulations increase every year.
The physican is the one person is this process that continually get the raw end of the deal, we have to spend more to stay in pratice and we get less money to provide the best quaility care in the world, and at the end of the day we get sued by the very people you provide the free care to.

Rather than giving up, we need to EVALUATE current healthcare expenses. WE pay $9 Billion for teen preg (just birthing, not NICU and social costs), Billions for pt's who suffer medical complications b/c they cannot afford and the govt or ins comp's will not pay for a bottle of pills, Billions for people injured b/c they will not wear motorcycle helmets, Billions for putting people in jail rather than pay for mental health, billions for smoking related costs b/c people want the right to smoke. We pay Billions for terminally ill pts in intensivecare units rather than accept and cope with death and dying issues. Rather than forcing us to suffer in order to pay anothers expense, we need to REPRIORTIZE how we spend our resources!!!!! Teach sex ed in the schools-parents need to be educated as well, provide mental health services and pay for medications. Get rid of pre-existing clauses and povide care. It will cut our expenses dramatically. Require PREVENTIVE Healthcare. Healthcare and Educ are the most critical aspects of any society. We are going to pay a greater price if we do not fix the problem now. I am a republican and nurse. WE need to address the issue now. Your right to smoke stops when your medical care REALLY takes food off my table and prevents me from paying for basic expenses like heat in the winter. Let's think outside the box rather than taxing!!!!! If you smoke, you pay the expenses out of your own pocet!!

15 years ago, when the Social Security and Medicare Crisis was big in the news. My wife and I calculated that with at the time a combined average yearly income of nearly $180k, we could afford an increase of $1,000 each of our FICA yearly deductions. (combined $2,000)

Now that we are making more, we feel that we can still afford an even modestly higher increase.

Though I know that if I was still making what is now minimum wage, that would be way too high. So, I see no problem in having a graduated FICA deduction regime tied to income levels. This will cover Social Security and Medicare as long as we can keep Congress from continuously raiding the fund to offset deficits, and means testing for those of us who can still afford to pay our own premiums.

But, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Insurance Administration costs must be brought under control !!!

I am 60 yr. widow and i make 1200/month – I pay 317/mo for health
insurance -no prescription – no tests-have a 5000 deductible and have no health problems or take no pills. I am doing without a cell phone HBO and food to pay for my insurance. It costs me 26% of my income. I have been paying for my own health insurance policy since i was 28 years old and have done without for a long time.

TAX A GALLON OF GAS ANOTHER 2 CENTS AND ALL OIL PRODUCTS.

THAT'S A LOT CHEAPER FOR ME THAN 300/MO.

i AM WILLING TO PAY 0.5% MORE IN TAXES (IN THE $50,000 TO $100,000 BRACKET) PROVIDED
THE FOLLOWING TAKES EFFECT.
The distribution of our wealth has been controlled by the rich and powerful who allocate most to themselves and spread what little is left to the rest of the people. This is called Plutocracy; not democracy; not a representative Republic; certainly not socialism.
They have convinced us that they will create jobs if they are entrusted with the money; they have not kept their promise. Give the President a chance to try a different way.
We can balance the budget if the wealthiest people paid a little more for government services.
Increase the taxes by 1% on AGI's from $100,000 to $250,000. 5% on AGI's over $250,000.
This should not be a burden or affect the lifestyles of any of these people. They certainly wouldn't feel it as much as someone living on $50,000 who sees a 10% increase in food costs.

As I read these posts I am truely saddened, comments like:

"If all citizens are forced to pay for health care, then once again, we are being forced to “take care” of lazy people that only want to sit on their behinds and eat cookies and ice cream all day, and feed their children the same."

and

"Heath care is not a right, it is a privelage."

To them my I first say I hope you loose your job, and along with it your health care. After that may you get an expensive illness that requires much medical attention that you cannot afford. Because for millions of Americans that is the case. Its not about being lazy or not wanting to work for health care coverage...it is about the hard working, honest Americans who must choose between going to the doctor for an illness or feeding their children or keeping electricity in their homes.

Never have I ever seen or heard so many Americans behave so selfishly as they have when it comes to health care reform.

If we are truely the "GREATEST" country in the world we will pass universal health care and all Americans will be insured.

I am not willing to pay more taxes. Period. The whole concept of using tax monies (yours and mine) for anything other than true emergency care, that is, requiring others to pay for me to get non-emergency medical attention is ludicrous. Now, if our employees in the government are willing to have medical coverage of the same quantity and quality, without requiring their bosses (us) to pay more taxes, then I may not mind continuing to pay the current level of taxes and letting them keep some coverage. Then again, maybe not. Hard working Americans should not be REQUIRED to pay for non-emergency coverage for anybody else.

I am fortunate enough to be blessed with a secondary health insurance to my Medicare. I have very little out of pocket expenses. My contribution to the less fortunate would be to have my premium taxed as simple income to the extent of 50% of that value as per my tax bracket. If my premium is $3000, then $1500 would be taxed as simple income.
Health care for ALL citizens must be this nations priority. However, these benefits should not be extended to illegal immigrants. The benefits for these people must cease or we'll never stop the influx.

If we are truly a nation of Christians we will remember Jesus' words about tending to the poor, the sick, and the needy as we consider what we must pay to extend health care to those who can't afford it. Those who make enough to fall into the categories suggested for extra taxes might ask themselves whether they can give up some of their expensive clothes, vacations, etc. to help others.

I'd be willing to give up the million dollar lotteries of malpractice suits for anything beyond actual costs, insurance industry lobbyists in Washington, D.C., insurance industry advertisements against health care reform, and insurance industry rationing.

In return for an affordable government option, I'd be willing to pay higher taxes, and to pay for supplemental private insurance to cover procedures, and costs that might be limited in an affordable option.

A single payer program would eliminate the profits paid to investors and excessive overhead paid by the competition between insurance companies (including all that advertising) as well as allow economies of scale in record-keeping, etc. Those savings would go a long way to paying for universal coverage.

I'd gladly give up 5% or more of our income, all of the insurance companies, the enormous number of people who do paperwork and medical accounting, and all medical benefits currently in place by our employers. America has become so obsessed with "Me, I, Mine, My Precious!" kinds of thinking that we've forgotten about the good Samaritan, Loaves and Fishes, and doing unto others what we'd have done unto us. Employees shouldn't have to sue employers for long term medical care from damages incurred on the job. It should be provided and would be if we had socialized medicine. It should be there for everybody. It is a right and not a privilege. Most of us who think we're insured only have toy policies. Co-pays, deductibles, pre-existing conditions, catastrophic illness exclusions, life time benefit limits, and so many other "gimmicks" are outgrowths of insurance companies cutting medical losses to enhance profits.

Paranoid, fearful, greedy, rapacious, and malleable Americans are so busy focusing on what they've been told is wrong with other systems that we fail to recognize how broken our system is. We should never allow ourselves to be paralyzed with fear of trying. More than twenty five industrialized countries were able to do what America says that it just can't do. How can we be the best in the world if we are too broke, to incompetent, and too defeated to do what these other countries have done? The special interest groups herding us against socialized medicine by invoking the term "socialism" aren't afraid of us ever becoming socialized form of government. What they really fear is that we will become a democracy.

I am in the same boat alot of other Americans are in, No jobs no unemployment insurance, scrapping a meger life, trying to hold on. Now I have to figure out a way to pay more taxes? We need a new System in thuis country. We need to get rid of all of these politicans Republicans and Demacrats. Start somthing new and govern ourselves. Randy

Tony:

I am willing to give up low cost alcohol and tobacco; soda pops and junk foods and use the extra taxes to pay for healthcare. What's so bad about that? They are not necessary and are often the causes of health issues anyway. Close some of the U.S. military bases around the world. Are all of them really that necessary today?? Also, I don't necessarily agree with taxing the rich, but they [rich] often have the resources and tools to get tax cuts and maneuver through the system – paying fewer taxes while the middle class ends up paying their share plus some.
In keeping with the Black In America theme, liquor store are in abundance in black neighborhoods. In Canada, liquor stores are government run – GREAT idea!! the cost are higher but the money goes back to the system. our neighbors to the north aren't all that off!!

If I'm going to help pay for a government sponsored health care; then I want everyone who benefits from it to speak ENGLISH

The new millenium which started with such joyful anticipation has seen this country's people become very bitter over the last decade.

while this country praises success. .

mediocracy run rampent especially in politics – it is easier to use scare tactics then come up with workable solutions to issues!

How short are the politician's memories – last election that was a mandate George: republicans need to run things better cleaner in the development of real solutions not just promoting the status quo

Stop bickering and get the job done!

Healthcare is long overdue! get it done!

Insurance needs to be more affordable so everyone can pay for their own, just like they pay for car and homeoweners insurance. After everyone has paid for their own insurance, then they can pay for what ever else they can afford. If they tax people who are paying for insurance and they decide to cancel because they don't feel like they should have to pay or can't afford to pay for other people to have insurance, then what?

why not tax everyone to help support the system, not just the wealthy? Allowing different percentages to be taxed of those grossing different levels of income, but applying a cap so the wealthy are not over taxed.

Those grossing 5,000 to 50,000 annually I'm sure can give up 2 to 4 % of their pay to help support their underinsured neighbor. I fall in this category and would be willing. However those same people (me included) are not willing to give up anything for those who are not trying to help themselves. Nor would I give this up if the wealthy will just turn around and use tax evasion to get out of it.

I've pretty much given up all I can. After getting laid off from a branch manager's job last year, I have no health insurance and could not afford COBRA. Since then, I've applied for no fewer than 500 jobs with no luck in securing employment.

Up until March of this year, I had never had so much as a cold. However, after experiencing the extreme stress brought on by not getting a job, I had to have open heart surgery. This resulted in running up more than $137,000.00 in medical bills. When I was still a "self-pay", one of the hospital bills was $16,000.00. When I said I couldn't pay, I then received a revised bill of $75,000.00 for the same dates of service. What's up with that? The hospital now can apply to the government claiming that services rendered cost the higher amount. A $59,000.00 difference for the same bill now that the government will foot the bill?? That's criminal.

I am not a deadbeat and have always paid my fair share. But being one of the newly uninsured in this Country, there's something fundamentally wrong about healthcare providers inflating costs and expecting the government, which, don't look now, is every taxpayer, to pay and keep on paying til it hurts.

Lobbyists and greed are the reigning kings of healthcare and need to be dethroned.

Maybe if those voting for or against health care for the people had no health care or had to pay co pays things would go easier. Michael Steele makes a good opponent to health care change, How much lobbyist money does he receive and, from who?

HHmmm I don't work and my savings is being eaten up to the tune of 700.00 /month so I have insurance. I give up many things everyday just to have that whether I can afford to use it after that? But if the government can't even provide health care to our military how do you think they will provide for us. Don't you think the military has given up a lot to have their substandard care? Their track record and them wanting to control every aspect of our lives is down right scary!!

Have less generous coverage? Only, the employees of the taxpayers have that!

I am willing to give up my congressman if he does not vote for solid health reform which includes universal care. Can someone give me a reason why us taxpayers should pay for politicians healthcare and they leave us high and dry? I want to know which politicians are getting contributions from insurance and pharmaceutical companies.

The health care problem isn't limited to just the 47 million uninsured. It affects those of us that are self employed, whose rates go up on average 16% per year. My husband and I currently pay $16,800 per year for decent medical insurance. We have already given up going out to dinner and vacations. Yes we are willing to pay higher taxes to secure health care for all at a reasonable rate.

I think all those fortunate enough to be making 350,000 $ or more would feel honored to help those less fortunate pay for health insurance; and ashamed if they did not.

Our society is SEVERLY compartmentalized. When will society understand that Everything is related. The illness of any person has a domino efffect on every person in society. You can pay $100,000 of tax $$ for the care of a stroke patient or $20 to $200 for a bottle of medication. We do NOT need to increase taxes. We need to PREVENT the problem from occuring. For those who want to smoke, charge a smoking medical tax and itemize it on the receipt. This money can be used to pay for smoking related illnesses. It is not perfect, but begins to solve the issue of payment. Think about it this way. Gas taxes really are fair. They affect only those who benefit from the use of our roadways. If I buy groceries which were transported over the roadway, then it is reasonable for me to pay for the cost of maintaining the roads. It is easier for everyone to pay pennies more on each product than few to pay thousands. If I smoke then I should be responsible to pay an additional portion of medical care associated with smoking. If I stop smoking, then there is no longer an expense of transporting the product and road wear and tear declines. I can decide if I want to purchase a particular product aka tax. We need to make a lot of small changes in many areas rather than trying to implement one major change. Individual accountability is required by EVERYONE. Rather than making Groups responsible, we need to hold individuals responsible. Socialized medicine is not the answer, but neither is our current system. We need to find a middle ground. How about a sliding scale fee for Medicaid rather than no contribution. Teach people to be responsible. Address responsible behavior!! Mandate parents pay for childbirth rather than paying the bill. I met one family with 7 children. Your tax dollars (approx $30,000) paid for every birth!! WHERE is the sense in this? And, they get welfare assistance. FIX the SYSTEM. More tax $$ only perpetuates the problem!!

Fix the IRS tax code with respect to healthcare. It is extremely prejudice against those who are self employed or cannot use pre-tax deductions or the Flexible spending accounts.

I would give up anything I have to make sure people in need get health care. I just listened to Michael Steele a few minutes ago on CNN. It sounded suspiciously like he was saying that dollars are more imortant than people. Is the GOP going to stop hiding behind their contorted version of Christian values and start showing their true colors? C'mon GOP, He said to love your enemies and to take care of the poor. You can't just use the parts of the Bible you like.

HelloTony, we’re willing to sacrifice a sur tax fon our income to help provide a public health care option for our nation. We need both public and private options and those more fortunate can help those not as fortunate – that is American. Don’t know when it became un-American to help others. Generally we do not earn $280000 in yearly income but on occasion, when we have liquidated an investment, we have fallen for a particular year in the $280000+ bracket and we would be willing to pay a sur tax for a public health care option. When we are fortunate to have a healthy income in certain years, we don’t mind paying a sur tax for the health care access of others. In the future we might liquidate more investments and we could find ourselves in the $280000+ income bracket briefly again and the thought of a sur tax for a public health care option is alright – it’s not abhorrent. The limit on small businesses perhaps should be raised but for personal income, $280000 is a reasonable threshold. We are willing to sacrifice a sur tax to help pay for a government health care option Diane b.– Palos Verdes, CA.

We live in an age when sports players make more money than cardio-vascular surgeons....we put pacemakers in people who haven't gotten out of bed in decades, wonder why they got a bed sore and then wonder why we're here... debating who should pay for health care. Come on people ... we really don't want to live forever.

In the interview with RNC Chair Michael Steele, He defended the presence of items in the two and one half page speech he gave on another network. Later when asked about his personal insurance, he thinks it's Blue Cross, Blue Shield, but then stated He's really not sure. Maybe we should look futher outside the political areana for advice on reforming the health care system. Working in the transportation industry, I have always know who my insurance provider is.

The question is not what are you wiling to give up? it should be what are you willing to pay for your own peace of mind? What goes around comes around. When the Republican national chairman gives an example of an 85 years old being denied health care scenario he failed to mention she is already on Medicare or medicate.
No insurance company covers anyone at that age so he is full of it
like the rest of them and their lies and phony examples and concerns
Time will come that you will loose your job and can't get insurance and wished you would have the national health care
My brother is a Canadian Citizen and he is not concerned about his health care and my wife is German and her family too. I am American and I spent 30 years paying my insurance payments until it go so high I couldn't afford it and now they say I can't buy insurance for precondition at my age this is like death sentence if I get sick.So I say to all those who are talking about costs, I wish you all become like me and see how it feels

Tony.. I, like most Americans, are willing to give up, or give, quite a bit to help the uninsured as a whole to obtain Healthcare. However, "we" are not willing to support those who are UNRESPONSIBLE / continue to abuse the system. Examples of being UNRESPONSIBLE are;
Individuals that have health issues but continue to smoke; drug abusers; parents or singles that have children but not the income to support them; alcohol abusers who won't quit abusing; illegal aliens ( and they are to be barred from emergency room use unless they can pass through E-Verify); Welfare receipents who are not willing to do Community Services; and , that the Healthcare they will receive WILL not be the extensive healthcare plan one would receive such as through and employer where extensive services could be available depending on what plan was picked.
The list goes on and it is disturbing that the media has avoided stating this proposal as an option. The question is as simple as the business of needing transportation- if one does not have the money to buy a new car then you settle for the used one that still gets you from point A to B and costs much less but does the job.

RNC Chairperson Michael Steele appeared on CNN today to bash the Obama health plan. He was asked what health insurance company he was insured through. He didn't know. How can anyone give this clown an ounce of credibility?

I have to laugh when I hear the Republicans ask, "Do you want the government to decide whether or not you can get hip replacement when you're 85 years old? What planet are they living on? The insurance companies are deciding what surgery or medical procedures we can have now. Insurance companies are deciding how long we can stay in the hospital. I was privy to a doctor's conversation with a insurance company representative insisting that the doctor discharge his patient from the hospital before the doctor felt was reasonable. It was scary! My neighbor's insurance company just rejected her surgery. Not because it wasn't needed, but because they didn't want to pay for it. I would MUCH rather have the government in control rather than insurance companies whose only concern is to make money.
The Republicians are protecting the insurance companies. Period.

Before anyone gives up anything, we need to ask some questions because we may already be giving up enough.

Here are some questions I think should be asked, but haven't been yet:

Do doctors really need to make $400/hour?

Is it necessary for a single pill to cost $100?

Is it right for high sugar cereals to advertise toward children?

What if nobody had insurance and the money was simply used when needed (government money)?

–Wouldn't this save a lot of money?

How was healthcare more affordable 30 years ago than it is now?

What healthcare spending is wasteful or useless?

Could we tax companies that hurt our health (candy, soda pop, Red Lobster, McDonald's, etc.)

And would it be efficient to offer incentives to companies offering healthier items (healthier items would be cheaper, more people would choose healthy, less people would need to use things ilke emergency services, government would have to spend less money)?

Is raising taxes the only option for offering affordable/reasonable healthcare?

I think making healthcare available to all in the USA is important!
I would be willing to:
1. Each employee pay ten dollars per month for a healthcare tax.
The employer should pay the same
2. An internet sales tax! Would 1% be enough?
3. Give up my tax avoiding cafeteria plan.
4. Pay taxes on the part of health insurance my employer pays.
5. Have a surtax on high income earners
6. Tax softdrink sales ( all of them would be fine)
7. Tax chips and other junk food (after all they are part of the problem!)
8. A nationwide sales tax would be ok if needed.

Is that enough?

The whole healthcare system as proposed is a joke!!!
START WITH THE COST BASE!!!!
NOT HALF WAY WITH "PLANS"," INSURANCE TYPES" ETC.
THE INITIAL COST GENERATED BY DOCTORS HOSPITALS AND PHARMA CAN BE REDUCED DRASTICALLY!!
YOUR "WHEELCHAIR" EXAMPLE IS ONLY THE TOP OF THE ICEBERG!!!
GREED DRIVES MOST OF THE DOCTORS; THEY WILL NOT LET GO OF THEIR YACHTS OR PORSCHES!!!!
EXAMPLE A YOUNG FELLOW BOUGHT MY HOUSE HE WAS A STARTING ANESTECIOLEGIST GOT A LOAN OF THE BANK FOR A MILLION WITHOUT THE BANK BLINKING.

WAKE UP OBAMA THIS IS THE REAL CAUSE OF HEALTHCARE COST BALLOONING OUT OF SIGHT.

Regarding the interview with the RNC chairman. You should not have left him off the hook. He gave false information which is intended to scare the public that has insurance. Nobody will be forced to accept the government plan if satisfied with their current insurance. I don't understand why all these Senators and Congressmen keep saying that government run insurance won't work. Where do they get their insurance? It seems to be just fine. Just give me their insurance , pension, and other benefits and I'll be quite happy. Don't see them tightening their belts. How about a pay cut and let them pay into Social Security like the rest of us peons. Please ask the tuff questions of these guys.

I pay $14,400 a year for health care for my family. It is outrageous and to be asking me to pay a little more is crazy! There's more to it: Each year my rate increases! My family and I are fairly healthy and we make a couple of visits to the doctor a year for physicals and for other minor ailments. Cut costs, not increasing it!

It appears to me that Republicans are self centered ,sanctimonious, greedy and generally uncaring.
Now that I've gotten that off my chest, I feel much better. I had volunteered as as EMT long ago. That work brought me in contact with many, many unfortunate people. These people, through no fault of their own, were thrown into the health care system without insurance. It financially and emotionally broke them even though they were employed.
How can we not take care of our citizens while we tear other nations asunder and attempt to make them whole?
Charity begins at home is the saying, but is it really charity or really wisdom, for a nation to take care of its citizens?

Are we really such narcissist that we won’t assist in covering our fellow Americans? We have no issue paying for uninsured motorist for our car insurance but can’t cover uninsured Americans? There are more than 45 million uninsured and underinsured. Expand the medi-care program to include the uninsured. Ads are being run now about Canadians who wait six months to get needed surgery. I believe 45 million Americans don’t even have that option because they can’t afford to even see a doctor for a diagnosis.
We need reform now! We need a public option now!

The people that say that the gov. will tell what procedure we can have and not have is ridiculous, does the gov. tell congress men and women what procedure they can or can't have. I don't think so. This isn't a Canadian or Euro Plan, this is a American Plan.

I do not mind giving up something if I feel it is helping those that truely deserve it. I am opposed to giving away my hard earned tax dollars to those on welfare who have no intentions of ever getting off of it. I am also opposed to giving free health care to illegals who show up in this country and find themselves pregnant all of a sudden. You see it everyday in Northern Virginia. A young El Salvadorian woman pregnant and she has been here less than a year on a work visa. The government needs to step in and stop taking care of these people.

I`ll pay more taxes (i do not have health care now), if my money doesnt go to insurance companies. I `ll pick government plan .I`ll transfer my taxes now going to Pentagon to a national/single payer plan
I`ll take my taxes going to insure the congress and its employees and transfer it to a national/single payer plan

Re-Rick Sanchez show on Canadian Health Care.

My mother at the age of 82, who was almost totally blind from macular degeneration was operated on for cataracts with no problem.
The doctor on Rick's show, today July 21, stated that Canadians are not operated on for cataracts until they are almost blind. That was an unfair statement, as you would think that they wouldn't do surgery on some that was that age and already had a sight problem, but they did do it.
The Americans are portraying a very unjust picture of our Canadian health care system. It makes me angry.

hey toney i think i have the pefect idea on how we can pay for healthcare reform: do it by taxing all the things that cause a lot of the health problems in america today like, potatochips , cookies, sodas, storebought pies, cakes, icecream, candy, butter ,margarine, sugar, salt, cigarettes, tobacco, and also fastfood joints like mcdonalds, burger king ect. it's a simple idea that would pay for healthcare several times over because we as americans will find money from nowhere to pay for all the goodies that taste good but our not good for us! if you look at this idea toney it's like we'll using the tax revenue from those unhealthy goodies, foods and habits to pay for the damage they will cause to our bodies in advance anyway!

Tony...
Caught your noontime question – "What would I be willing to give up...[for universal healthcare]?"
Nothing more than I have already contributed in my taxes...how about thoughtful, constructive $pending of our tax dollars already allocated for, let's say, non-stimulus "porkbarrrel" projects? How do I know that MORE taxes won't be frittered away thoughtlessly?
Enough! I can't make any more sacrifices than my wife already make!

C Flynn

Thanks Robert! I was beginning to think no one else saw the bigger picture.

Do you think that Obama really believes this is the solution? Or do you think he is being guided by corporate constituents?

I've given up enough. Under the Social Security reform Act of 1983 I lose 2/3 of my Social Security because I have a federal pension. I also was brought under Medicare when our own system was working just fine. I now have Medicare and health care benefits but I still have to pay more than I would have before. I also lose my wife's Social security in the guise of Saving Social Security and medicare. I'm paying higher costs because of illegal immigration health care funding.

You can bet your sit upon Congress as they have always done in the past will exempt themselves from having to come under any plan that makes them pay more.

It's always good for us but never them.

I've paid enough.

I wish someone would please tell me when healthcare became a Constitutional right in the US. I seem to recall the Constitution only ensures the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. There is no mention of a hospital bed or emergency room visit. I would pay nothing because it is each persons individual responsibility for health insurance.

the people and Republicans who increased the US debt by 4.9 trillion and crashed the US economy in the process want to debate the economics of health care?

What am I willing to give up? We all should be looking at spending and saving wisely. After the last administration ran the country into a ditch we are so impatient about how fast the new administration can get us out.

George Bush came into office when the country was running a budget surplus. He set us on this path of destruction. The Obama administration will need time and our support to put us on a sustainable path.

How about stopping illegal immigration? As the population grows we need to spend more on resources for an ever expanding population. We are nearing or may already be at PEAK OIL production. Resources on earth are not limitless.

I pray we do not pass the Health care package, I often wonder just how far Obama is going to take us (at least trying his hardest). He says his health reform is a must . A must for what?? Obama needs to read the stats on all the Canadian doctors that come to America for more training, He (Obama) should never be trusted with anything he is doing. He is leading us into Socialism and he knows it. He is one shady character, I have zero trust in him and can not wait for his term to be ended, he certainly did not get my vote, when he can tell the truth about his birth certifcate, then the Obama voters are going to get the surprise of a life time. Lets all say NO TO OBAMA'S HEALTH PLAN, that includes Pelosi, Reid and so many other left wing radicals.
Betty Phillips

I AM NOT WILLING TO GIVE UP ANYTHING, WHAT ARE THE
46 MILLION WILLING TO WORK FOR?

I will be willing to give up almost anything IF...........THE PRESIDENT, HIS CABINET, CONGRESS the SENATE AND ALL THOSE WHO WANT TO VOTE FOR THIS BILL (WHICH HAS NOT EVEN BEEN FULLY READ BY ALL) GIVE UP THEIR EXISTING HEALTH CARE AND ACCEPT THE "NEW" OBAMA HEALTH PLAN FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILY.
WHY DON'T YOU ASK THE PRESIDENT WHAT HE IS WILLING TO GIVE UP?

Tony, It is not a question of who should pay for Health care, surely the answer is everyone, just like everyone has to pay for car insurance from the age of 16........I know a lot of people who do NOT pay anything until the age of 40 !
I am from England, and most people there think that Americans are cruel in not having health coverage... as to affording it, we in England enacted univeral health coverage in 1947, when the country was broke, but we felt it was the right thing to do.

First of all, I could not believe, Tony, how aggressively you posed the question being discussed here. I found your tone and demeanor highly offensive. Secondly, there are 202 million Americans that have health insurance and pay for it. Of Obama's supposedly 45 million uninsured, 10 million are not citizens, 17 million can afford health insurance, but chose, as is their right as Americans, not to purchase it. Only 11 million would like to have health insurance but cannot pay for it. It would be nice to have something sensible in place for those 11 million but we have no demographic breakdown of who these people are what their needs are. I am not willing to give up one thing for the proposed health care reform bill that is before congress. Very few of our legislators have even read the bill. A plan that raises my taxes, rations health care to seniors, denies access to special care is not a plan that I think those 11 million would like. I certainly don't. I don't live a rich life style. I have worked all my life, giving to the community and the country by education our youth. I've given all I'm going to. I urge congress and this inexperienced President to come up with a better plan that addresses the needs of those who truly don't have insurance and want it and that does not punish those of us who do. As an American, I have earned the right to choose my own health plan, and I don't choose Mr. Obama's plan.

People who are either uninsured or underinsured already ARE giving up something. Most have no medical coverage because they can't afford it. I believe a better solution to supporting a health care program (that everyone can afford) would be to assign the equivilent of an "HMO" to manage the money these industries (such as auto makers) were given when they needed bailed out. Maybe if they had to beg, plead, write letters and lose sleep over getting an approval for something that they need, the bail out funds would fulfill their intended purpose, leaving tax dollars available for other needs.

I would be more then willing to give up a couple of weekends at the movies so that everyone in America can have proper health care. It is funny how this, as most topics, is highly divided by race. I find it funny that after 12 years of “Bushism” that now the republicans have all the answers; where were they in the past years with all this wisdom?

v/r
Black in America 2

This is what I've included in the letter I'm sending to all members of Congress.

I will accept some or all of the following to make universal coverage and the above public insurance option sustainable:

· Increased premiums for Medicare, for those able to pay (sliding scale)
· Mandated insurance coverage for everyone
· Some degree of tort reform for medical providers and hospitals participating in programs to reduce errors and incompetence
· Taxation of insurance benefits for those above an established income level
· A small national sales tax, excluding food and medicine

Hi Tony,

I'm sitting here in Toronto Canada wondering why US citizens are so against providing health care (and h/c reform) for all it's people? I don't by the rhetoric that it's "socialism" gone wild ... You folks, like us, already have a social-democracy. I wonder what it costs your economy in the long run for the lack of heath care – in bankruptcies, citizen's who worry and are stressed at the very thought of getting sick, etc.

I guess it's about values. The country's citizens would rather go without 'universal' health care and help one another by actually caring for one another in this way – than say ... going to war. It tells the world a lot about a country that values spending more money on war than taking care of it's citizens' health.

I know as Canadians we sometimes struggle with wait-times, but that is most often for 'elective' surgeries. Our system is not perfect by any means and we as a country continue to be challenged with some issues related to our health care system – but we never have to worry about getting sick and going bankrupt over it ... or about "preexisting conditions" ... or the cost to re-attach a finger or two ... or our cancer treatments (being cut off treatment until the bills are paid up ... what is that, really?). Nor do we worry about going to the hospital to have a baby – paying the bill / or not / on the way out the door ... nor worry about needing emergency services ... etc.

All citizens regardless of ones ability to pay deserve to be healthy and cared for. Yes, we pay more taxes in this country – and we value our interconnectedness to one another through our health care system.

Good luck -
Baffled in Toronto,
Janice

Pay taxes, increase taxes on foods and drinks...cigars etc. This is not rocket science... This is about the News Coverage that is spawning the big question marks are coming from. Public opinion is being swayed by the Media which is a strategy of the lobbyist and industries affected. You guys are one sided and it shows. When are you going to stand up for the People....I guess that died with Walter Cronkite....Hm!

I am willing to give up the Medicare/Medicaid programs in favor of socialized medicine for everyone thus combining the programs that includes everyone. Do away with the entire Health Insurance industries. Those jobs can be converted into managing the new National Health Service just like in Britain and France. Those health care systems work and they provide great healthcare to all citizens.

NOTHING!! What happened to personal responsibility for everyone. We have a financial crisis in healthcare, not a healthcare crisis. We simply need to find a way to get those who are uninsurable-insurance and control the rising cost. Obama care is guaranteed to reduce the quality of care and increase the cost for Americans who have taken responsibility for their own care. The Feds have never run any program at or below estimated costs so why should Obamacare be different.

Being from Massachusetts, we have already had healthcare reform. Seems to be working well. Why can the rest of the country use Massachusetts as an example?

Please aske our Senators & Congressmen the same question! They enjoy the best healthcare available! Let's eliminate healthcare plans for ALL Senators & Congressmen - then, we will all see how fast healthcare reform happens.

I would be willing to not smoke, avoid being overweight, and exercise more. Also, give up providing health care to people who are in the country illegally.

I am willing to pay higher taxes...nothing is free. Here is my bigger concern. We have the Politicians fighting over the better plan. Deep down, they all know what needs to be done. I wish they'd stop the posturing and mud slinging and work together. Forget about who gets the credit. This is a team thing...we need to win for the USA! Not the Democrats or Republicans. We don't have a silver bullet to solve for this now but we need to build a solid framework, implement the plan, stay on task, be diligent and make changes/adjustments as the program rolls out, and we'll build a better system.

Isn't this how we do this in business or on a team?

What am I willing to give up? Simple, Tony, only one thing. Insurance Companies! We should be going single payer and these politicians all know it's the only to truly cut costs.

For universal health care, I and all Americans should give one hour of salary per week. This would be fair for those making little and those making large salaries. Health care is a right.

I don't want to give up anything for a plan that isn't no more then Obama wanting to get his way or he will have a baby fit. We have medicare and medicade and if they can't keep that going they can't do nothing but put this country deeper in debt! WE ARE BROKE YALL!
Ruby.......TN

I am willing to give up having some bean counter at my HMO deciding whats covered and whats not. Has any one factored in how much we will save moving 47 Million people from the Emergency room to insurance coverage that a lone will help pay for reform.

It's not a matter of what anyone would give up. It's a matter of Congress members giving up money from pharmaceutical and insurance company lobbyists. Then we could have single payer.

Single payer healthcare is the only logical solution to healthcare. If it wasn't,congress would not be going around in circles. Fear of socialism is a joke. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the library system, the public school system and I am sure there are some I haven't thought of are all socialism. The only people who have a right to reject social programs out of hand are those who do not benefit from them.

Once again the HMOs in this country are running ads and trying to protect the BIG BUCKS of their non-doc, non-med-professionals CEOs and other unneeded administrators. These are the people who have made our access to health care some of the worst in the world.

And, it appears that "them that got" want to make sure they are the ONLY ones who get health care. So many people like that are "right to life" as well, but they really don't care if the mom has access to pre-natal care, if the grandmother is dying from ovarian cancer, and if the now-born little one is crippled for life from lack of access to health care or loses its mom due to lack of health care access.

AS A MIDDLE CLASS CITIZEN I AM MILKED DRY! IT IS TIME FOR THE SENATORS, CONGRESSMEN, PRESIDENT, GOVERNORS, AND ALL AT THE TOP TO GIVE UP THEIR PERKS, LIKE RAISES, BONUSES, VACATION PAY, FREE CARS, FREE GAS, FREE TRANSPORTATION, FREE MEALS, ETC. GOVERNMENT WASTE AT FEDERAL AND STATE LEVELS IS OUT OF CONTROL. IT IS HYPOCRITICAL FOR THEM TO ASK THE LITTLE GUY TO SACRIFICE THEIR LOW INCOMES WHEN THE FAT CATS ARE SACRIFICING LITTLE OR NOTHING! I AM FED UP AND I WOULD HOPE THE AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS WOULD GET OFF THEIR DUFFS AND START SPEAKING OUT LOUDLY!

It is hard to talk about what I am willing to give up when I believe the facts are not being presented objectively and honestly. Most anti-health-care talk seems to be quite comfortable ignoring the 46 million people without coverage. Another factor is not in the equation... the people who have coverage but it is ineffective in supporting them in even basic things like dental and vision. And I have yet to talk to one person who lives in Canada, Netherlands and England who agrees with the negative comments I've seen by supposed political officials and news sources.

I am will to pay for good service that improves the quality of my life as well as the the people who share this country with me. I believe improving the quality of health will improve the nations quality of life in general.

Just my two cents.

Thank You

I DON'T want the government to become a competitor in health insurance. The private sector is a sure loser because the government can dictate costs and obviously has no concerns about profitability. We are trending to more and more government involvement in the private sector. This isn't good. Reforms are needed but not government takeover.

I would be willing to go back to fee-for-service for routine and non-catastrophic medical care and have a high deductible for insurance. If taxpayer funds are going to be used for medical care, let it be in the form of grants to health care providers.

Control of health care must remain with the citizens and the private sector.

I would give up my current insurance coverage for the same coverage our leaders in Washington currenlty have. Since they are our public servants (?) why should we not have the same coverage?

Why prhrse this question like that? Whar are we willing to do to gain entrance into the 21st Century by providing health care for all? Are dwe willing to give up the past? Healtth care has been an issue which has kept our eyes off the prize...How the Military Industrial establishment has placed war and arms above the national priorities of a Nation...A People. Now they and there partners are fighting tooth and nail against change.

How much of a monetary burden is placed on doctors and hospitals because of treating illegal aliens in this country and what proportion of this cost is past on to paying health care consumers insured or uninsured.

I'm willing to give up the billions of dollars being spent on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars...I'm willing to give up 99% of the country's nuclear arsenal... I'm willing to give up 1 trillion dollars annually from the defense budget... I'm willing to give up Saturday Mail service.... I'm willing to give up 25% of the salaries for congressmen and senators... I'm willing to give up fallow land subsidies...

HEALTH CARE IS A RIGHT... NOT A PRIVILEGE... I would prefer that my government spent money on ensuring the health of all citizens of the US instead of killing people around the world.

I am in support of health care reform with the public option. i have
called AND written all my Washington representatives ( we all need to let them know how we feel). I am willing to pay a tax. I am a middle
income individual, and i am a health care professional. And believe
me, there is waste and inefficiency in health care today. Despite the
"Best Practices" that are always published, many providers continue
to waste resources, which I am sure are adding to the high cost of
healthcare. This is making quality health care for some, just unaffordable. Whatever bill comes out of washington, will not be
perfect, but it will be a good start. Drug companies are making a
fortune, while some people cannot afford to buy their prescription.
It is a NO-BRAINER. It HAS to change, before it bankrupts our country.

I have major concers about the underinsured. Its will be sad
if people will have to find jobs that payless and have no healthcare
benifits becuse they work for a company who charges outrages amounts for terrible coverage. The only way this will curve the price of private insurers is if everyone can have an option to buy the goverment insurace at a resonable price if there employer dosn't offer as good as insurace.
I actully had to choose to not have insurance for my family this year becuse the amount they uped it to was 1/3 of my check and I still have to pay at the Dr. office 1000$ per person co insurance and 1000 deductible at the Hospital.
I just pray nothing bad happens and that is a terrible way to raise a family.

When Republicans say we have the best health care in the world – we might have the best doctors and treatments, but the cost and method of receiving those services needs fixing and competition. What people still don't get is that if their taxes went up and health care costs went down, it could still be a win.

I am single, currently making about $35k including benefits. I do not identify with either Democrats or Republicans, because they are both reaching into my wallet.

I am willing to give up any government program that supplies anything that an individual can provide for himself or herself. I am NOT willing to give up individual responsibility or individual liberty.

Look in the Constitution. The government's job is not to provide healthcare.

Before my wife and I had kids we had no health insurance. We recently had twins and now realize that there is nothing more important thanaking sure that they are provided for. That includes making sure they have the best helthcare available.

I am sure every parent feels the same.

Whatever it takes to make sure they have the best health care out there, even if we have to pay higher taxes. It is time to step up, quit complaining and do what is needed turn this country around.

Medicare and Medicaid can become part of the medical reform bill. This will help our president fund this bill with the bloated medicare and medicaid systems and replace it with the same system that serves all of us at the Federal and state levels.

Rabab

Dear Tony:
I would willingly support a government-sponsored health-care plan if it would reign in the out-of -control and power hungry HMO's and insurance companies. They are the main reason health care is on crisis. I would also support higher taxes if my tax dollars would go for health care for legal citizens of the United States. I know that my tax burden would be far less if those of us paying the taxes were not responsible for those who have no right to free health care, I.e. illegal aliens, at the expense of U.S. citizens.

In the 50's,60's and 70's my father employed 2 people in his dental practice. For each he provided dental care and health insurance because it was the right thing to do. In the late 60's he started retirement accounts as well. It never occured to him NOT to do these things as a small business man. When did we become so greedy that we could turn a blind eye to our fellow man. We all lose when those around us are not healthy. History reminds us of ill health run wild, it is called plague.

I am a Chiropractor. My observation is that there is way too much corruption within all branches of health care, with the obvious intent to increase income through direct exploitation. When a doctor heaps on extra 'things or procedures' enabling increased insurance billing, way in excess of what a patient needs, it should constitute fraud. Many procedures are harmless, but any procedure used too often can cause additional damage. I have heard the statement, doctor to staff, that patients must be told to do 'thus and so', and if they won't, then 'that' patient can't do us any good. In way too many offices the emphasis is on money through exploitation.

i notice that the congresspeople and senators go kinda "mum" when the subject of their health care benefits come into the equation. me? i'd like to have the health care benefits that they get. what entitles them to ssuch luxurious benefits. it is our taxes that pay for their programs......another thing. what are you newspeople willing to give up for your families in the way of health care. most of us out here in the hinterlands have been paying thru the nose for years for our health care plans. my wife and i were paying almost $25000 per year for our health care and also paying taxes that benefited health care for others. so now we are being asked "what are you willing to give up". i want what i paid for

Our politicians need to get on board and reform this health care crisis now! I retired from he military 15 years ago and have maintained my government sponsored tri-care plan and I pay. After retirement I began a teaching career and see first hand the negative impact of our current system. Our children, especially in our high poverty areas deserve better and its a tragedy health care isn't available to all citizens in the richest nation on Earth. I will sacrifice anything for the common good and confident the majority of our citizens will do the same!
Mel Early

I am willing to give up a useless end-of-life existance where all I do
is lie there breathing....unaware of my surroundings. If i get to that
point help me to let go. I am also willing to let go of being ignored
when I try to point out padded charges, charges for services not
rendered, and fraud upon Medicare. Listen to us Seniors, we still
have brains.
helen Chambersburg, pa.

I would be willing to make numerous sacrifices, including spending on vacations and entertainment activities, becoming more effecient at home and any other activities which is not a necessity, if the healthcare solution is justifiable, however, I am not feeling great about where this is headed. I can't understand the need for rushing this huge and important piece of legislation. I'm not comfortable with our government providing competitive services, instead I feel our government should provide "basic" healthcare services, to all Americans, via fee schedules similiar to Medicare/Medicaid and controlling costs via this schedule. Exisitng insurance providers could then offer supplemental insurance and expand that basic service(s) which are more expensive and we don't have to mess with the difficulties associated with being competitive with the government program. The costs to taxpayers should be much lower as basic services are not where costs in healthcare are so high. WHY are we rushing this versus exploring what will work best???

Doctor exploitation can only be reduced by eliminating the profit motive.
The call to health care should be similar to the calling to a ministry. Seems to me that doctors should not be making windfall profits far and above other professions of similar high education. The intrusion of government based health care may be the only way to significantly reduce the profit motive.

With all the political pronouncements, and massive press coverage re healthcare reform, I remain amazed that I've yet to see a cogent, organized presentation of the situation. What are the specific health care related issues a reformed plan should address? What specific objectives (lower cost, expanded coverage, improved "quality", etc.) should be set? It seems that a major issue facing both the public and our politicians is that most of us still have fairly decent health care that we are not willing to compromise. We'd like it to be better and to cost less. We'd like everyone to have some level of health insurance, although we're not sure how much we're willing to pay for that. I am simply not clear re why I need major health care reform.

I should NOT have to give up anything. Everytime our government undertakes inititives that they hope will make them historical figures, we have to foot the bill. All of the current stakeholders in the health care system have been profiting immensely for decades. The only change has been where the distribution of profits has flowed.

Currently, they are all posturing and positioning themselves to become benficiaries of the next significant outlfow of cash from the latest publicly funded trough. ( think TARP, Stimulus, etc.) Evidence is apparent when they rolled over and magically found 10 billion in cost saving to try and seed their new cash crop.

I have no confidence in the US Government to fiscally manage a new healthcare system. We get glowing projections at the every onset of new government managed spending programs regarding cost savings and wait for the shoe to drop AFTER it is too late as the GAO reports on the cost overruns and waste to follow.

What I fear is that government sponsored program will become the primary carrier as employers bail out and shift their employees into the govermnet backed plan. What really needs to be managed is the cost of healthcare to the employer so they can be obliged to continue a vital benefit to their employees.

The government program should only be a path of last resort for those with no coverage. Subscribers should pay a reasonable rate akin to private plans unless qualified as needy like we do with other government support systems. The healthcare industries mining multi-billion dollar profits should be the ones subsidizing this progran NOT the American taxpayer.

ck out Switzerland.Alll must have a basic policy and can add as the want.
They can all choose their deductible and their insurance company.
1. all insurance companies must charge the SAME rate for basic
2. IF not employed the government supports but it sounds like the person has to pay a certain % of policy depending on income, i.e. unemployment, ss, disability etc. IT IS NOT SOCIALIZED MEDICINE AND ALL GET CARE IN TIMELY MANNER
Second.statement of concern about elderly not receiving care needed.
Example. in 2000 my mother at 88 had a discussion with her doctor about a proposed surgery for "severe carotid clogging" She was told with surgery she could have complications, stroke and die. and if not? The doctor told her she may have a stroke and linger a few days. Mother made decision not to have surgery.Today mother is 97 and still lives alone . Example of dicussion and shared decision by Provider and patient. Instead of just making blanket statements to confuse the public... Examples of who, what, how , needed to be explained.
Third:
I retired from health care as an RN of 47years last year. I continue to talk to health care providers and aministrations of hospitals. Many really are identifying and implementing means of saving money which will help balance the expense/savings. Those that don't change probably will be out of business.

What am I willing to give up? Even though I make less than 30K a year, I am willing to give 2% of my pay to help fellow Americans. I am a flight attendant with my company going into 10 years, yeah, thats all I make!- but unlike the people out of touch with the rest of us hard working grunts, I am willing to lend a hand to my fellow Americans rather then give millions to war, or giving monies to any foreign country;. I might add if I may- it SHOULD BE ILLEGAL TO PUT PORK OF ANY KIND INTO ANYTHING UNTIL WE CLEAN UP OUR ACT IN CONGRESS!

First let me say that there's a HUGE distinction between those that are uninsured and those that are denied treatment.

But to answer your question "what am I willing to give up?".... for those that are sick through no fault of their own, I'm willing to do whatever it takes.....however, for those that use medical care indiscriminately for conditions that are preventable or lifestyle related, ZERO!

I'm sick and tired of paying for other people's laziness and lack of self-discipline. If you choose to smoke, fine, go right ahead, but you should have to pay for the consequences of your actions, not me. If you want to be a fat, lazy, couch potato, unfortunately I can't stop you, but I shouldn't be expected to pay for the medical bills related to your behavior!!!

I haven't heard anything about personal responsibility in this debate. I'd like to hear something about limits and guidelines. Health care is up to individuals - medical care is up to doctors. Most Americans do not take care of their health - eventually it will bankrupt this country because "free" health care for the largely unhealthy masses is not sustainable!! Eventually Obama and the Dems will run out of other people's money.

This bill is only extending what this country has been building since 1964–a large welfare state. Rather than creating a government-run insurance or any of these other questionable ideas with potentially endless negative results, why isn't the government looking to provide oversight to the insurance companies that currently exist? Why not make each denial due to a pre-existing condition result in a fine and then use compliance officers to enforce it? This would create revenue (much needed in our government) and fix a large part of the problem. Any dramatic change to the healthcare bill would just push the welfare state forward. These days, you can have people who have never worked, are hooked on drugs, use their ability to have children to take money from the welfare system, and now get free healthcare. On the flip side, a middle class family of five will have to stretch to make ends meet and, no matter how much harder we work, the government will always be there to take more away from us. We pay for Social Security that we'll never use, for government programs that are broken (see: Welfare, Unemployment, Disability, etc.), and for sexual misconduct or marital infidelity by officials (see: Mark Sanford, Bill Clinton, Mark Foley). I guess eating the bill for healthcare is just another cross the American taxpayer has to bear.

Let's put Medicare on a computerized system, like when credit cards track your purchases. It's only paper and pathetic. We could save millions, billions when fraud is driven out Isn't it great to have your golden years turn into a nightmare because you can't get the health care you need. In Japan, they truly respect their seniors. All of us in our early 60's have paid into ss and medicare our entire lives. Now when we need it, it's not going to be there.

I'm willing to give up:

* The fact that no insurance company will cover me outside of a large company's policy due to a pre-existing condition (renal transplant).

* Insurance companies that don't pay hospitals for covered services, leaving me with huge bills and questionable processes for redress.

* HMOs that require me to see a gateway primary care physician for services that require a specialist.

I worked abroad in Tokyo for several years, covered by a national policy paid into by my employer. It was very easy to get preventative care, I went to an advanced hospital, my drug costs were low, and my doctors were interested rather than hesitant to order tests necessary to diagnose problems. My company even had yearly on-site health checks including weight, vision, hearing, CBC+lipids, and EKG! Workers with risk indicators were put on programs to help.

Differences included much higher efficiency facilities (including systems for patient tracking), lower salaries for doctors (still good but not extreme compared with the rest of society), and government-negotiated rates for most medicines.

Let's have a look at the other developed countries who have health care and see how they are doing it. I've lived in two of them; they do require you to co-pay according to your income level, for instance.

It seems to make the most sense to raise taxes on the items that contribute to poor health such as alcohol and tobacco, and beyond that, maybe have a look at other consumables that contribute to poor health – such as, that can of soda that has 12 teaspoons of sugar, and leeches calcium from our bones – tax that at a higher rate. Tax processed foods higher, because when ppl stop buying as much of it, they will get healthier and need less health care.

I agree with other comments here; it is a moral issue, and our current system disgraces us in the eyes of the rest of the developed world.

I'm willing to pay more in taxes to get this health coverage pass. I just don't understand it – we shell out huge amount of money to help other countries to fight and cure AIDS, Malaria, and other infectionious dieases, but we can not help out our own here in the US? Just because we seem to be the wealthiest country in the world – doesn't mean our health needs need to be ignored? And what angers me is watching this certain commercial about this Canadian woman coming to our country to get medical attention on her brain tumor. Stating that she would of died in Canada if she didn't get the medical attention. Well, apparently there must be alot of Canadians on their death beds in Canada, in the UK, and other countries that do not have good health care. I don't think so. So, yes, I'm willing to pay more in taxes to get President Obama's health care coverage pass.

I would like to be able to give up part of the $1300/month COBRA premium we are paying, give up waiting 17 days for prescription approval from my insurer, give up $50 drug copays on a drug costing $73, and give up my insurance company. I'd like to give up not being able to shop for cheaper insurance because I have a pre-existing condition. I'm willing to pay a flat tax for a public option-other than that, I've given enough.

When the country is in such dire situation financially, it is necessary to look for ways to make ends meet other than taking more money from its citizens. We have already commited billons of dollars to "Bail Outs" which comes from the taxpayers.
Perhaps it is time to look more closely at the federal budget. How about cutting back on some of the financial aid to other countries. Charity begins at home so wouldn't that money be better spent on the *U.S. taxpayers who have put the money in the coffer in the first place We also give away millions of dollars to illegal immigrents who have not contributed any money by way of taxes into our monetary system. If our elected officials, who have been elected by the American taxpayer on our behalf, were to start with these two items alone, I think we would have a fair amount of money to take care of our Health care situation.
What happened to President Obama's promise to go thru the budget item by item?

I am confused! Depending on who you ask, we are spending anywhere from 13–17% of GDP on health care each year. In countries with high quality universal health care systems the range of GDP expenditure is 7-10%.
How can any plan for universal health care in the USA increase our expense? Where is the extra money going? We should be asking, what are we going to do with the 3-7% of GDP we are saving.
Why should I have to give up anything?
The only answer I can come up with is corporate greed, and haven’t we had enough of that the last few years?
Sheldon Feddy

Its really simple for me Tony, I'M WILLING TO GIVE UP WAR!

I would love to give up the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Would this give us enough money to reform the healthcare???
It just kills me to see that NOBODY is raising this issue.
Who needs us in Afghanistan? Please, are our leaders that dumb?

In a Country like America, one shouldn't have to give up anything.

I am not willing to pay a single cent more until the government stops wasting BILLIONS of dollars in fraud and waste. Out politicians don't even read these bills that they pass. Why is there such a rush to pass legislation within a month? Shouldn't we have an intelligent debate on this complicated issue? Shouldn't we study the effects of such a radical change? We as Americans pay too much in taxes and the government needs to stop spending. Obama and this congress are out of control with frivilous pork spending. They should cut spending elsewhere if they want to pass healthcare reform. I agree that there should be reform but not a government takeover of healthcare. The government cannot run a single program well. I have experienced the VA system and is is a NIGHTMARE!!! Do you really think they can efficiently and effectively run national healthcare? The honest answer is no. If they pass this legislation, IT WILL BE A DISASTER!!!

Dean

Hi Tony, I'm 52 and un-employed. I'd go with a government plan. Check on Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko". It's prophetic.

I am willing to help in any way that I can. We are our brother's keepers, contrary to what most (christian) republicans think. When we all pitch in to help, the lifting is not so hard by anyone.

We are paying for everyone's healthcare any way, why not make it cost less for all of us. I have been a healthcare provider for over 30 years and I know firsthand how broken our system is and it is only going to get worse.

The time is now for us to do the right thing.

Giv e up?! $%&* , I don't need to give up anything. What we need to eliminate is the expense of thousands of suits who add NOTHING to the value or the delivery of health care. I've been witness to patients and even health care providers "giving up" lots along the way, while more money is being sucked out of the system by the parasites of
insurance companies, lawyers and stock holders. !!

I would be willing to pay increased taxes to move towards a single payer, public option health care plan, it must include extensive regulation of private companies offering insurance so that they don't exclude or charge more for preexisting conditions and it should keep them from raising rates or dropping people based on health. No one should have limits on care for catastrophic costs. Maybe increase Medicare taxes to pay for something like Medicare for All. Of course, we have to pay for this. This is important. People need to be willing to pay taxes to support the common good.

I'd be willing to give up my co-pays, premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance which probably cost me more than the additional taxes I would pay for Government sponsored, universal health care.

I would be willing to pay $25 per month out of my pocket for affordable care. If everyone who wants the plan pays a very lost cost it should off-set alot of the cost.

Tony Republican and Democrat are the same all stay in Washington to make they own case they own money,who care about us no one washington gana say what they want us to heard but do northing if they do some who gana vote next Election because they need us only to vote .

Everyone knows that health care premiums are raised to cover uninsured people. How about giving up the unnaturally high premiums which will no longer be required when we cover the formerly uninsured?

I'm willing to give more taxes to help those who our government and people seemed to have abandoned. I'm also willing to give up less administrative work, and the millions of dollars wasted in paperwork.

I am willing to give up profits in the insurance industry. Health care should not be a profit making industry. I am also willing to give up more of my money to pay more taxes for those less fortunate.

The story you just showed was wrenching – no one who buys insurance should have their contract rights violated. No one will defend the current system. But, throwing out the free market in favor of government directed care is going in totally the other direction and is not only unwarranted but dangerous to our health. It is beyond arrogance to believe that 535 politicians most of whom have little if any experience in the private sector can decide what is correct in a market that is over 15% of the economy.

The answer for insurance companies that abuse their patients is right to litigate and competition. I have auto insurance from a company that is in a very competitive industry and they do a wonderful job. They keep their costs down while providing immediate service. Insurance and medical services today are in a controlled situation.

I am not willing to give up a competitive market and innovation in order to have politicians govern my access to medical services. We will regret driving innovation and new ideas and quality out of the marketplace in favor of bureaucracy.

Absolutely nothing. Stop making stupid decisions, go to school, put away your credit card, get a job with insurance.

I'm willing to give up free benefits & perks given to illegal aliens.

The question should be, what will you give up when you get sick and can't pay your medical bills, insurance or no.

I'm willing to pay higher taxes. I think we have to sacrifice for people other than ourselves. We have become a society who can careless about each other.

Tax legal marijuana.

I am willing to give up money to help the rest of the uninsured. We make less than 50,000.

I will give up the $20 million a year salaries that these insurance company CEOs are making while denying sick Americans healthcare.

I am willing to give up the outrageous profits made by doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, and the drug industry. The reason we have a health care crisis is because they make too much money.

the problem with for profit health care is that a man will pay anything he can to stay alive

As one of the people who have no health insurance I don't want free health insurance but as someone who has a history of cancer I just want something that I will not lose everything I have to get it. Just please pass something that I can afford soon.

How about taxing junk foods and sodas which may also encourage people to eat their fruits and veggies and take care of their health?

Well, I've already given up my credit, by having declared bankruptcy to pay for my chemotherapy.

Jay
San Francisco

I heard the RNC chairman saying that we shouldn't rush healthcare.
We have been talking about it for 50 years, I don't think we are rushing it. Congressman that don't like it can vote against it.

Sid Delano
West Columbia,Texas

Tony:
Love the morning CNN crew. Keep up the good work. I find it perplexing that no one in the hallowed halls of power hasn't brought to the table, a VAT TAX. Instead of squeezing those making 250k and up to pay for everyone else, let everyone share in the burden. This VAT TAX doesn't need to be all that much either, especially when it is factored across the entire nation. The powerful HMO'S have a strangle hold on Washington, and it needs to be broken. When HMO'S play God for the sake of greater profits, then something must give. Politicians need to remove their hands from these deep pockets and work for the people. And as an aside: Had the republicans protested GW'S outrageous spending, then I don't think OBAMA would be in such a dire situation.

In terms of health care coverage, I do not want to give up anything. I have good coverage and worked all my life to pay for it. The current debate is more focused on the monetary aspect of the proposed health care plan, not the quality of care or ability to have choices in health care. As portions of the proposed bill (HR 3200) become known, the more concerned I become. The changes are so broad and far reaching, rational comment is impossible at this time. The really scary aspect is that the bill is progressing though the legislative processt without proper scrutiny by lawmakers. This lack of due diligence by our elected represntatives is outrageous. What happened to Obama's promise that all legislation will be available for citizen's review 72 hours prior to voting?

I AM WILLING TO GIVE UP A LEGAL SYSTEM WITH NO CAPS ON MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.

I'm willing to give up the dated policy of pot. Legalize and Tax it. I'm not a user, but it would generate money to be used on healthcare.

I have a lot of thoughts, but this one in particular goes out to every Congressman and Representative that is oppossed to "Government sponsored health care.
We as Americans voted you into office. We as Americans pay taxes that pay your salaries. Who do you think pays for your HealthCare coverage? The Government that is supported by every tax paying citizen in ths country!
Perhaps in his speech tonight President Obama should suggest, as a cost saving measure, that EVERY employee of the Federal, State and local Government will no longer be provided with "employer sponsored health care". Perhaps then they will jump down off of their soapboxes and do something!

What am I willing to give up?
How about insurance company profits (and drug company, medical device companies, etc.) . I can't afford their profits.
Health care should be available like public education. Quit trying to find ways to PAY FOR INSURANCE!

I'm willing to give up taxpayer-provided health insurance policies for members of Congress. They need to feel the pain and figure out how to shop for health insurance like those of us who are not eligible for employer-provided healthcare.

I am willing to pay more in taxes, but the health care should never go Government sponsored.

Cindy from Frisco, TX

I am willing to have extra tax put on sodas and beer. (I don't smoke, but cigaretts also can have more tax.) Sodas are not good for people.
They help contribute to health problems, such as diabetes. So, it
makes sense to put extra tax on sodas.

since the senate and congress work for us , i 'll be glad to settle for the senates health care. why not, they are our employees?

I am willing to give up being angry at our government for failing to resolve this issue after all these years of telling us that it is broken!
All of a sudden it is an "urgent" issue. Why have we not had a national referendum on this issue and let the people decide what they want to do.

I think pharmaceutical companies that mark up their drugs 10,000% to finance research and advertising should be the ones making a sacrifice. We don't need new blood pressure medications every year, we need public health initiatives to prevent people from needing those drugs in the first place.

How about our congressmen/women and senators give up their gold plated taxpayer paid for health insurance and have them join the thousand page policy they are coming up with now. Maybe they would give it a little more thought rather than trying to cram it down our throats before their August break.

I am willing to give up the extravigant salary 's the doctor's & hospital's overcharge for there care.

I am a mother of four boys all under the age of 10. My husband and I are both self-employed and students, and our family has been without health insurance of any kind for more than 4 years. What I would be willing to give up is the subsidies the government provides to the drug and insurance companies and the insane profits and salaries that the CEOs of those companies receive each year. NO ONE SHOULD PROFIT FROM THE SUFFERING OF OTHERS!! Congress should move to not only reform the health care system, but also to remove profit from the entire health care system. The right to live should never be predicated on whether or not someone can afford it.

If my wife and I share the same health care from my job. (I'm retired / laid off) we would be paying 10k a year, and this is through a company subsidized policy. I would welcome 5k taxes a year to drop this policy and get something guarenteed.

ALL of the insurance companies... they only stand in the way and OBSTRUCT health delivery... kinda' like what Republicans do!

I am willing to give up the special free medical care that politicians get FOR LIFE even if they serve as little as one term. I will pay more taxes, I will wait in line, I will do whatever I need to do to ensure that no American dies due to lack of health care, as they now do EVERY DAY!

Bi partisan bickering and political parties.

I am willing for the members of the House and Congress to give up all that free (no hassle) medical care they receive. And not get any care until they come up with a plan everyone can use, and use that same plan themselves!

Health reform is needed right? Then why do GOP'S say we don't.... are they living a mars !!!!!!! why don't they want reform? B/c there kick backs are going to go away!!! this is the time for reform and am willing to give up everything!.

Tony I have already given up my home and family so that I could get help paying for medication that runs close to $1000 a month. With out this medication I would be dead.
I think I have given up enough. I don't have anything left to give. I am living with my mother who is 67y/o and can't retire b/c she has health problems and needs the insurance.
I use my disability check to pay the rent and she pays the utilities. There is nothing left by the middle of the month and we are to give up more?
Where?

I am not willing to give up my term limits for health care no way

I am so sick of people saying that Pres Obama is rushing healthcare. LOOK AT YOUR HISTORY PEOPLE!!! This has been an issue that we have been dealing with and fighting over since the days of Truman. How many more people have to die or suffer before you people wake up and realize that now is the time to get the job done?! The longer we wait, the more people are going to be unable to get preventive care to stop something minor from turning into something major.

National Sales Tax:

I am willing to give up 1% of every purchase over $1.00....Every tourist and visitor would then pay into our system......It could further be expanded/raised to lower the individual tax rate system and institiute a reformed tax system as well. IRS then would regulate businesses not individuals!!!!

I am willing to give up our new president OBAMA! I am waiting for a 2nd lung transplant! He want insurance for all, thats WONDERFUL, GO FOR IT. But don't screw with my insurance, I have battled, struggled, endured, bled (literally), fund raised, and FINALLY SECURED INSURANCE. Do what u must to help others, but I MUST stop hearing how universal insurance will cause me to loose what I have fought for for so many years!!!

If you drive a car you have to have insurance. So, if every american paid 2k per year for insurance, we would have 600 billion dollars to spend. from there dive into detail and exceptions, but we have the money if we all chip in.

Phil/Galena,IL

I'll give up the windfall profits for Big Insurance that they earn on my misfortunes.
Slow down? This issue has been debated for 50 years. Obama set a time limit. That is leadership. GOP wants more time? What, another 50 years i supposed..
They say 50% of Americans are against this plan. They obviously have great policies from their employers and DO NOT PAY. They are afraid they will be put on the Public Plan, which they equate with Medicaid.
Somebody , please, tell the truth!

i am not sure at the present what I am willing to give up. However, I am glad to see and hear from real people who have went through this nightmare. For I am one of them. I don't know if this plan of our President is the "right" plan but something must be done. I am hoping it will include the fact that "big businesses" can't say what treatment you will have even though you have insurance-this happens – it happen to me. I have often said that the people as a whole, and the media and anyone who thinks nothing is better than something need to be in the situation then come back and talk. Unless you have been there, you are bias, unknowledgable and think that the american people are stupid. Our president is not fighting health care reform but the people who have not walked in non-insurers shoes. Everyone talks about we are spending our kids and grand kids money-have we forgotten that we are now paying for previous generation bills etc.? One needs to ask the question; when a hospital or doctor gives charity who do people think is paying for that? It is the people now who are complaining. I hope some people who have or is now in this situation speak up instead of criticize for what is already being paid for-take the time to really think about what is being said by media and the insured. Again unless you are or have had to walk in these shoes your outlook is different. Again, I am glad to finally hear from real people-should have heard from real people from the beginning.

Here's an Idea:
A basic Health care plan for unemployed workers paid by a tax on the employed similar to the medicaid tax we pay but restricted to those without assets..for instance, I WILL NOT pay medical bills of those who own their own home. Can't afford health care? Time to sell!

Tony, I'm willing to give up every sitting Congressman and Senator. Their catering to special interests and corporate lobbyists got us into this mess, and they are still catering to the medical supply companies, hospitals, medical insurers, and medical professionals, without regard for what will be best for the citizens of the United States who actually VOTE.

What would I like to give up? Easy: I would LOVE to give up listening and watching all the commercials put out by the drug companies. Seriously, if they would get rid of their advertising expense, they could cut the cost of drugs and thereby lower the consumer's cost! Besides, it's the DOCTOR's call what drugs we need, so why advertise to the general public? I am sick of listening to it.

Why haven't I seen a suggestion that we adopt a solution from proven examples in other countries such as France or Japan?

Our current system does not work. It should be completely scrapped and we should implement a proven system.

if we have such a crisis with our healthcare in our own country, maybe we should consider giving up some of the assistance we provide to other countries. start at home. then, give if we have the ability to do so financially.

Why was that woman saying she was going to loose her house for cancer treatment? The reason California is so broke is because they are the MediCal safety net for the poor to pay for medical. My understanding is that you cannot be forced from your home and that any money owed would just be placed as a lien against a future sale of the home. Was this woman a renter? Are we getting the full story or just the part Democrats want to sell us?

I will be willing to help a sick person no matter what it takes why are they fighting the very plan that they them self have do we not pay for them to have the health plan that they have? why are they so selfish we help people every were but not right here at home.As far as taxes we are going to pay taxes anyway why no do it to help so one in need.

I have a very progressive case of terminal ALS. The health care system is broken and overflowing with corruption and bogus charges by providers. I could write a VERY thick book with my experiences. No catastrophic illness should financially destroy a household or family.

Most of the ads against the options are very distorted and untruthful. How about finding the TRUTH and real facts??

I have sympathy with everyone who "gets sick," but I live with diabetes. I dn't think the rest of the nation is responsible for my medical expenses–and they are significant.

I have a few questions for the woman in the interview who was talking about her fears re: costs of medical care for her cancer:

1. Would the proposed plan cover her treatment?
2. Would she have been able to get the immediate, emergency surgery she was talking about under the proposed plan?
3. How would the proposed plan have treated her in her situation...

I see the VA system, Medicare, SS, and other federal programs aimed at "helping us" to cover life's costs. I see federal programs that are very expensive, over-budget, under-funded, and in trouble of being funded for eternity much less for another 25 years according to the GPO).

If drugs are less expensive in Canada, perhaps we could start with finding out how Canada gets "cheaper" drugs. That would be a significant start to control costs. A federal plan with NO plans to reduce current costs doesn't reduce costs, it moves the costs from the private sector to the government. Ask veterans if they are satisfied with the VA System.

What should we, the citizens, get? The SAME plan that Congress gets. If we aren't offered that same plan, I want THEM to tell me why they are "entitled" to better benefits than the rest of the population. Do a story about that. Walter Cronkite often said a journalist should tell the public what they need to know and not what they want to know.

Do an expose on the health care provided to Congress. Show how the anti-discrimination law may not apply to those in Congress... There should be ONE federal plan. If we can't afford it, we shouldn't have it. Fiscal responsibility is absolute since we won't have ANY system if the government goes "bankrupt..."

This is a dumb question. The media plays into the hands of their corporate advertisers. You all don't want health care reform, you want profits just like Pharma and Insurance companies. Let's give up the enormous defense budget. These companies are intertwined It's a moral and ethical position. We need this done now. Lket's get it done, now.

We have a health care crisis because doctors, hospitals, insurance companies and the drug industry all make too much money. What are THEY willing to give up?

If our elected officials are willing to switch to this healthcare plan and give up their GOLD-PLATED plan that my taxes pay for than I am willing to be taxed for the new plan.

I can not afford to buy my eyeglasses or get an eye exam. Its been two years. And my insurance wants me to pay 700.00 deductible before they kick in. I would like to see this changed to be more user friendly. I am wondering if I should just go to area clinics and not try to have an insurance that I can pay for but not use. I support the urgency in this matter. President Obama should push for this massive change. And stop showing people from Canada, .

The question is not what would we give up to have a proper healthcare system. A lot, if it works. The question should be 'What do the creators give up if thier plan fails as created'. The answer is nothing. Take away all pensions of the healthcare legislators if the plan fails and we will get a more thoughtful plan.

dy3

Nothing, nothing at all! We are already over taxed and the government waste our money every second of every day. Take care of the people who take care of the world.

I'm willing to accept higher taxes. Where do these politicians think their pay comes from? They don't work for free! I can't believe that they put their political career first before the good of the people! This affects every one of us! It's appalling what these politicians are doing! This health care issue affects all of us irrespective of your political affiliation! Put your constituents first!

I always thought that the United States called themselves "World Leaders" but after hearing the retoric behind the health care issues i don't know how you can call yourselves that anymore. How can you tell the rest of the world how a democracy works when you cannot even help YOUR OWN people when sick. Your health care is only there to do two things.

I am my brothers and my sisters keeper. If my neighbors child is sick and can not go to a doctor or can not go to school, that directly affects my children and their future. What does it take to give hearts and spines to our elected officials? The time is now. Get it done.

I too have already given up! I've given up on my congress to stop politics as usual. I think our congress is too selfish and self centered. Our healthcare and insurance industry are the problem and congress continues to pander to them. The pres. puts me in the "rich" category b/c I chose to educate myself and go to work and pay my bills and not overextend myself with debt. So now he wants me to pay for everyone else's mishandling of their finances. No matter what plan they put in place, there will always be those who either can't pay or even more sadly just WON'T pay. I give up. Maybe I'll just join the others and make irresponsible choices for others to bail me out.

I'm willing to sacrifice Congress's August vacation so that they can j remain on the job and reach a solution to national health care that doesn't ignore the citizens for their corporate backers and lobbyists.

I am willing to give up fancy waiting rooms with fish tanks!!!

Healing should be available to all...one way or another!!!

How many Americans are hopping the border to Canada or getting on a plane to Europe for their free healthcare? None...I wonder why!

The idea of the soda tax makes sense to me. Why not include other foods that cause our health problems like fast foods, chips twinkies, etc. IT imakes sense to charge people that eat that type of food because we know for certain that it contributes to poor health. I am one of those people and feel that I should be willing to pay more taxes because I likely will have more health issues. I am sure the grocery store, McDonalds, etc. will pass the cost on to us and that is fine with me. I drink 5-6 diet sodas a day and eat my share of these foods as do millions of others. I think it is a great way to raise the money

I am a canceer patient.Up until I was diagnosed with cancer i did now owe anybody anything,however since march of this year i now have around $9000.worth of medical bills.I am a widower and live alone .I am also a Vietnam Veteran.I have given everything I have for this country,for my family while my wife was alive,and now I have nothing left to give.I will probably have to file bankruptcy soon.The real quetion is what are both the republicans and democrats willing to give up.like myself,the average american has been giving all thier lives,most of us ,have nothing left to give.I do however need a bailout for myself,after all,if congress can bail out major companys for mismanagement,why cant they bail out an averagre american citizen for things beyond our control?

Don't people realize that if everyone gets universal health care, doctors become the new teacher. A public servant, don't people see what shape our public schools are in?? What i am not willing to give up are the freedoms enjoyed everyday, and will not be subjected to the requirements. How can you possibly justify giving a pack a day smoker free health care?? They are taking an inherent risk, but that's their choice and you can't take that away either. I think in theory its an excellent idea, but then so was communism, is that the direction we are really trying to go here??

I have already given up health to Leukemia...and the rest of my life and money to the insurance companies...people that say we need to wait have NEVER been sick with a catastrophic life illness. You have no choice under our current system, because the insurance companies dictate who you can and can't see; what you can and can't do in terms of treatments, and who you doctor is - unless of course you have millions of dollars and can afford to go to anyone you want anywhere in the world - even here. Do you think your insurance will pay for a world class doctor? Absolutely not. I have had to live on DONATIONS and BAKE SALES. What's worse, I am not alone...here is a quote from my Leukemia journal...

"With no assistance available to those with catastrophic life circumstances, people’s lives often fall apart. To put a more positive spin on the situation, some might say people “pare down” immensely. But this “paring down” comes at a great price: requiring nothing less than the surrendering of all normal life circumstances. After all, who can afford a mortgage or rent or a car payment when one person is unable to work and all available funds are being spent on survival meds? “Non-essential” activities such as buying clothing, eating out at restaurants, and going shopping are completely out of the question. In my case, my husband and I were lucky - all we had to do was move in with my parents because we couldn’t afford our own apartment. The absence of rent allowed us to keep our vehicle and make some payments when we could, although we fell behind while trying to mitigate the cost of my rapidly accruing medical bills.

When you are grieving the loss of independent living, you often feel as if you are the only person in the world who is. But when I went out to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle to have my transplant done, I met an amazingly large community of people who were forced to give up entire lifetimes just to survive. Many people, like myself, had to move in with friends or relatives; some had to sell their home or vehicle. Still others auctioned off everything that wasn’t nailed down on eBay, or gave up everything to relocate near the hospital, relying on public transportation to get them where they needed to go.

But this, unfortunately, is not where the struggle ends. Even when the prescriptions are done, the financial toll that such a circumstance takes on patients and their families is enormous. Trying to rebuild from nothing is not easy, and the sad fact of the matter is that there are very few people out there who are willing to help. In fact, it is often the same people who marvel at your miraculous tale of “survival” that will turn around and repossess your vehicle because the payments have been consistently late - or gone unpaid - while you were fighting to stay alive. Mortgage companies, banks, and rental associations are even worse. They will look at your plummeting or reduced credit rating and charge you higher interest rates than you cannot afford to pay, or deny you altogether. In essence, whether cured or not, you end up being punished for getting sick in the first place.

And so I will relive my transplant. Relive it - again and again and again. Because who, outside of the very rich, can afford to pay back more than a quarter of a million dollars in medical bills? That is the very problem I face as I sit here and look at apartment advertisements - and why I dread calling about any of them. I know what I am going to have to do. I am going to have to explain to every person on the list that I was sick, that I almost died, and that my credit score suffered because of it. Catching up on more than five years of illness - not including the years of intense follow-up - is difficult. And I will somehow have to explain that I had the audacity to become ill in a system that abhors such weakness. And I have to hope - hope that someone will give me a chance to rebuild my life.

Because life is about more than surviving. Or rather, it should be. Creating a life worth living is hard…but creating such a life after almost losing it, is even harder.
.

A significant drain on the health care system is expensive testing. If doctors weren't afraid of being sued by missing something, they wouldn't have to order a CT scan for a cough or an MRI for every headache that shows up in their office! Tax the trial attorneys!!! That'll never happen since everyone on capital hill is a lawyer with friends on the Bar, including Mr. Obama.

Why do have give up anything? Why is the insurance administration cost not discuss? They are 30%. Medicads administration are between 2% and 4%. Sounds like the medical insurance company are like AIG.
They consider execitive pay and bounses more important then the countries heath!!!!

I keep seeing the anti reform TV spots, saying, "Do you want government between you & your doctor?". Yes, I would like to see a not for profit in between me & my doctor than a insurance company.

I'm willing to trade salaries with someone who makes 250k or better and pay the higher tax.

I am willing to give up the republican party. They are against Obama's bill because it puts more responsibility on big business where it belongs. Who's paying for the emergency room visits for the uninsured/under-insured? Not the companies that are making money off those people.
The reason they don't want to pass the bill/any bill NOW is because they haven't had time to add on all the PORK they want to!!!!
How about thinking about the people that are paying their salaries,that sent them there to act in the best interest of THE PEOPLE?

The US should follow the CANADIAN health care plan. I have lived in Minneapolis and had health insurance so here's my story.

12 midnight I roll my ankle on the curb walking home. A hospital just on the other side of the road. Bottom line my insurance would not cover the $364.00 splint because I should of gone to their hospital at least 5 miles away even though they could not be reached at this time of night.

Canada scenario, playing soccer and cut my eye go to hospital and give health card which every Canadian is entitled to. NO CHARGE up front

We pay a health tax such as for cigarettes. They cost $10 plus a pack that tax is going towards the cancer care you may require, same with alcohol. It's worth it people. I am a true testimony that it does work for everyday people.

THIS IS A NO BRAINIER!!!

I'm ready to go without insurance.

I'm self-employed, and I pay $600/mo for insurance for my family. My adjusted gross income for my family last year was around $70,000.

My $600/mo insurance only covers two doctors visits a year. Last time I went to the doctor for a cold sore, they charged me $260 dollars. They don't pay for any of my presciptions.

Why does everyone get affordable insurance but those of us in the middle, working the hardest? The poor have healthcare and the rich get it too.

I'm afraid to take my children to the doctor because of the bill.

I give up!

"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is argument of tyrants. It is the creed of slaves." William Pitt in the House of Commons November 18, 1783

I will give to the charity's I see fit not that the government see's fit. I will give up nothing.

I don't understand the question. We have the worst healthcare policies in the world. Regardless of your coverage, most people have to fight to get what is recommended by their doctors. If you have a catastrophic illness you will be cancelled when its time to renew your policy. Most people pay a small fortune for this crappy insurance. Not to mention that we are the ONLY civilized country that has private coverage. All we hear about is Canada, what about Great Britian, France, and every other country in the world. I read an article yesterday and I have forgotten what newspaper it was in, but it stated that people who earn over 5 million dollars will experience an increase in their taxes. SO? I think they will be alright with that. I don't know why I am bothering to even address this issue with a bunch of crooks.

My sister in law has breast cancer and I am sure the live long savings she and my brother had will be severaly stressed. Another brother Craig spent $300K without insurance dying of Cancer which his employer donated a large part of. So we give for health care reform whatever it takes, taxes, family trust donations–we need coverage for these catastrophic illnesses. And I would pay for insurance–but there are no affordable policies with full coverage I can get, so have none?

Greetings Tony – We up here in Canada are amazed that you folks put up with the (Republican sponsored) Ads that attempt to dissuade Americans from a Canadian style health system. The usual 'scare tactics' of giant business concerns (big Drug Companies) are both pathetic, and even (perhaps) criminal. Certainly they are immoral. After hearing what drugs cost in Cuba, you'd think you folks would 'get it'!
Everyone here gets taken care of – and they don't have to lose their home in order to get treatment. The rest of the 'fear mongering' is just that.....so much B.S. Our system works!
When are you folks going to take back your country from the 'special interests' that (like to believe that they) own it?

RM

Drug commercials! Doctors know which drugs work, and a commercial isn't going to influence them. We could be using this money going to commercials to fuel the healthcare system instead.

There is an obvious way to cut health care costs. If people show up at the Dr. and are overweight and not losing weight, you should pay more. You have the right to commit suicide, I don't feel obligated to pay for your self indulgense & stupidity. Self inflicted diseeses shouldn't be covered, it's time to grow up and be responsible for yourself.

I'm willing to give up the following:
1. Unlimited settlements in malpractice lawsuits.
2. Government interference in the healthcare industry which adds over 169 billion a year to healthcare costs.
3. Social security for people with an income after retirement (from any source) over 150,000 annually.
4. A 10% across the board in all social programs to pay for this scam being perpetrated on us by the Obama administration (if it can't be stopped).
5. Requirement that every social program enacted be paid for by eliminating another social program.
6. I should just give up on it, CNN is as socialist as our current president.. I bet CNN doesn't have any room for a dissenting opinion.

1. Put money in the pockets of the big business
2. Help the politicians that are being paid by the health care industry

and

Everyone that cannot pay i guess should just lay down and die when sick.

How selfish can a Country and its "Rich" people be.

This is certainly not a good "Example" to the rest of the world.

I found it very convienient that you showed Nacy Polosi on the news confernence but the voice of the "REAL PEOPLE" was not good enough to show. Commercials i guess where better than real voicees. Or i guess CNN did not want to make the "Health Care" money makers mad by showing how the "Insurance Policies" are really just "Smoke and Mirrors"

Shame on you America !!!!

I already give up 20% of our family income for our coverage in addition to the taxes that go toward Medicare and Medicaid. What more would you suggest?

We lived in Chile for several years. Someone ought to go down there and take a look at their system. It's great. If you get sick, you go to the hospital and they take care of you. A friend of ours had cystic breast disease. She got immediate and excellent care. Every school child in the country is covered through a universal school insurance. When our daughter dislocated her elbow, we went to the hospital where there was a separate children's ER. She was treated and had 3 follow-ups. None of it cost a dime to us. I don't know the particulars of how they pay for it but it's worth a look.

Lost job January 2009 after 26 years same company. 62 years old. No Health insurance, no life insurance. No Job. hard finding someone to hire you at 62 years old.

Working part time , 30 hrs wk. @ $8. HR. Hard to pay bills let alone medication needed. Had heart attack two years ago. Diabetic. Having to let medication go to meet the bills.

Have applied for Social Security, Starts in September. But that still only covers food and shelter. Can not get Medicade due to Working Part time. What do I do? Quite working? Some of use are falling between the cracks.

Don't have anything left to give up.

Having a heart condition and now on social security at the age of 55, this is a issue Im most concerned about. Im willing to give up or reduce the U.S. Pork barrel spending our government over looks every year as crucial to individual cities or individual states. Thank you;

Tony,

Thanks for the coverage – things that I am willing to give up:

1) Watching all of the ads now being aired by those entities that are afraid of success of this reform. Political or fiscal how many millions are being spent on trying to assure non-success?
2) My insurance coverage (supposedly good) that never covers tests that my Doctor requests. He had asked for preventative inspections – I ended up paying 100% of the costs.
3) An economic model that assures our manufacturing sector is non-competitive. Our manufacturers compete on a global basis with entities that do not have to pay short and long-term medical expenses – immediately forcing products made in America to be more expensive and thus costing us jobs.
4) Any attention given to political parties that only want to see failure for their gain.

Thanks

I've Already lost my home and cars. I'm mad as hell and I would like them BACK. Prudential ruined my life and my family's. I'm in Public Housing. I won't give up any thing any more...

Why is it that you are asking what we are willing to give up??? I have health coverage & its always a battle, sometimes I already have to pay for things like my childrens bronchitus myself. 1 in 6 dollars in our economy are already going to healthcare. We are already giving blood. Why is it that no one is talking about the one health insurance CEO that is making 1 dollar for every 7 spent on healthcare. Why is there not a windfall profit tax for these CEO's that are raking in big bucks & paying Bonuses to employees when they deny up of coverage that we are entitled to????? I perfer a CO-OP to a govt system, but I really want to get the profit motive out of health coverage.

I gave up my Republican Party affiliation in hopes the Democrats could get something done – please don't disapoint.

I love when people say "We must get this right! we should not rush into this plan",its just a delay tactic and we have been waiting too long. Would these same people be willing to wait if they suddenly came down with a serious illness or maybe they have good coverage and selfish. We can provide coverage to everyone! It would be the begining of reversing the greed which posioned this country.

We are uninsured and are anxiously awaiting help. We are willing to give up the money to pay reasonable health insurance premiums.
Please address the fact that the premiums people wll pay will absorbe most of the cost of the program. Thank you.

There is a great deal of talk about who will pay more and be taxed more for the cost of health care reform. Many people seem to be upset about the idea of taxing the rich, or taxing existing health care benefits to pay for the plan, however the real disproportionate burden will be borne by the nations senior citizens. Cutbacks are planned for Medicare, which provides health care for people at the time of their lives when they need it most. Increases in Medicare costs are planned for those who are already financially stressed and living on fixed incomes. As more people are able to access health care there will be proportionally less health care available, and that will inevitably lead to some sort of rationing. No doubt one of the criteria that will be use for this triage is who is likely to get the most benefit from the available care. Older people who arguably have less life to lose are more likely to be denied treatment. If, after reading this, you are thinking "Well, thats not my problem, I am not old" think again. The only way this will not become your problem is if you die first, or if you are a legislator whose health care is exempt.

I do not reject the idea of paying more taxes for a health care program, but not one which is being forced down our throats at break-neck speed. This administration is just throwing money at every problem without careful thought. I'm afraid that our country is in such a precarious position, this could be disastrous.

Obamacare does nothing to control costs. It will only tax those who make money to pay for insurance for those that don't. It will reduce coveage for all to ensure that all get covered. Why not just allow the uninsured or uninsurable to buy into Medicaid? Because Medicaid is terrible coverage and everyone know it.

tony,

i am a 46 year old male, self-employed in los angeles ... i pay 395.00 per month for health insurance and 30.00 for a million dollar cancer policy ... plus my 40.00 NASE dues ... 465.00 Total per month .... i have never used it ... hope i never do ...

it just went up another 16.00 per month ..

what would i give up ? this is not our fault ... it is our government that caused this ... own up to it and the american people will help you out of this hole .. stay your course and we will not re-elect you ... that is what the bottom line is for most of these people in Wash.

i so wish congress and the WH could just admit that the origin of this housing market and economy crisis was caused by making it easier for people to buy homes with sub-prime lending ...

i pay my due ... but i think 465.00 per month is enough already, if this goes up anymore it will be devastating ... congress needs to come down to earth, slow down, curb spending like i have had to since they decided to give my hard earned money to people that do nothing but collect the unemployment that i have never used either even when times are tough .. that is the last resort IMHO ...

cheers john

I’m willing to give up politicians that have pay and or budget increases during this time. The only trips they should be take would be home to really find out what the people want.
Oh, and I think we should have access to the same health care insurance as our congress.

What should we give up??? Better, what would the health care providers give up? Shouldn't all this start with the doctors, hospitals and pharmaceutical companies? It would be wonderful if we could afford health care, instead of getting a bill for $40 for a cotton ball, or $12 for a warmed blanket, or $6000 for a nausea shot. Maybe we could bring our own cotton balls and warmed blankets!!! I think our first priority should be to force a lowered health care providers' unbelievable costs.

Also, I think that Congress and our politicians should have to have the same health insurance as the rest of us do. Why should they get something more than the people they work for????

I have already given up my country. I live in Canada where I receive excellent health care at a reasonable price. It's a good thing I like the place because I can't afford to go home.

I am willing to give up the millions paid to HMO and insurance company's CEO's for Bonuses and compensation perks. My Mpls newspaper today had a headline"United Health profit soars 155%". Can you say NONPROFIT health care?

In our governments urge to provide a health care program, the cost seems to be the stickler. We need to start at the source of the problem which is over charging by hospitals, doctors, drug companies and insurance carriers. When did we as a people decide that physicians should all be millionaires? Why are drug companies allowed to charge these rediculous fees when they will sell their product overseas and you can buy it cheaper. what happened to supporting your own people first. Why are hospitals allowed to charge tens of thousands of dollars for an operating room when they know the insurance company will only pay about 10% of their bill? All of the above have rediculous charges so lets control them first and maybe the average citizen could afford to pay them.
Healthcare should never break someone. If I'm not incorrect, I believe we could decrease foreign spending by about 15% and pay for a program. DUH! Mountain home, AR

Why do the current new proposals being brought forth by our legislators
have an exemption provisions for congress and federal workers? Are they a special class of Americans?

I think that we should all be willing to do what ever it takes to provide insurance to those how have none. You would think that elected people who have the best insurance in the world, would put aside their own interests for once and at least try to think of others. These people have had years to fix this and now someone is trying and all you hear are negative comments.

How about people start taking responsibility for their own life. We don't live in a socialist society like China and I don't believe Americans really want to. It seems to me that everyone wants something for free. While I have some sympathy for the filmmaker with cancer, she chose to be self employed and understood the risks of the low cost insurance she took. What would be interesting to know is how lavish her life was and maybe it wasn't. Why should those people who make some decent money have to pay for those who don't. I work hard at what I do and deserve every penny I make plus more. I am tired of all the taxes I pay and just as tired of seeing people feeding off ot the system living a more lavish lifesyle then myself. So again people if you choose to think your immortal to life's roadblocks then move out of our great country, I don't believe you reallize just how good you have it here.
P.S. If someone has a catastrophic financial disaster it is not a right of ours to expect someone else to pay for it, if you think so then move to a socialist country.

I am 62 and my generation has given up all we can. The facts are clear that we have not gained economically since the seventies while we have seen our safety net erode to the point where we can no longer even afford healthcare What must be given up are the tax cuts that have only benefited the wealthy. Paying for universal healthcare for all Americans through taxes is no different than paying for fire or police protection or public education. The top tax rate was lowered from 90% to 70%under Kennedy and we are only talking about returning it to what it was when Reagan took office. Please, this is a no brainer.

I am willing to give up paying for health care insurance for all the government employees, including the Congress, and the State , County and local officials and employees that I also pay for.
Let them pay for mine for a change. I am willing to pay my share but this has been a one way street for too long.

I agree that we need reform, but my fear is that I will have to give up what my empoloyer currently provides. So in the end I give up what I have worked for to cover people who do not work. I am also very concerned about getting less for more- Just look at the other countries and Mass (in the USA) who have tried to provied universal coverage. It helps those with nothing but hurst those who already have something. So my response is Government needs to stay out of our business and go after the insurance companies who in the end cause the medical profession to charge more.

I have not heard any talk about a scaled down healthcare plan for the uninsured? It's a start that may be affordable.

I am willing to give up all of the "pork" projects sent to individual states and also all of the aid projects sent to other countries. How about just holding congress and pres. responsible for spending our money more wisely.

I live in CA, and I'd be willing to pay a cannabis tax. Lots of other people are, too. Too bad we can't – that could save a lot of useful programs.

I am willing to give up what little I have, I am going to be 65, and I am considered on the low income, side. I do not have any other income except for SSI which is also low, both me and my husband receive checks.. They would not be enough to live on, so I work, stocking shelfs, which is not easy. I do not get any assistance , but I would be happy to help in anyway that need be. Remember you will be old one day, and then were would you be with the raising costs of healthcare , in the toilet like me

I am not willing to give up my current healthcare which will happen if this bill is passed. Reform trial attorneys' hold on going after doctors and hospitals and deny healthcare to illegal aliens. This is how you fix healthcare costs.

Why don't we drug test people on welfare, that should save a lot of money for health care?

I'm willing to give up high-fructose corn-syrup, in all forms. So that I am not a burden on the health system in the future.

I'm willing to give up excluding people with pre-existing conditions and dropping people when they start making too many claims, or looking for reasons to rescind a policy after accepting the customer's premiums for months and months.

Other than that, I don't think we're being asked to give up anything.

I am willing to give up the outrageous perks that Congressmen receive. We'll begin with their raises, reduce their pensions, and let them "enjoy" the same health coverage/insurance as the average American.

The role of our Federal Government is to “protect” the people and their liberties. This does not just mean from enemies domestic or foreign, this also means from disease, pathogens, viruses, etc. Now, our government would be able to provide Health Care for all of it’s citizens if it actually was the size the Constitution allows. Our government has become too big now it cannot afford the roles it was created to have. If our Government were to size down to the size our Constitution allows we would live in a much better place. I am not willing to give up anything because I am not the one who needs to, the Federal Government is the one who needs to.

We shouldn't have to give up anything. If we went with single payer universal health care, we would end up with MORE money for other things, because it would cost less than we pay now.

We don't need the vulture private insurance companies that don't do anything for us.

The short and sweet, NOTHING!!! People need to stop with the attitude of someone else will take care of me when in a crisis and start taking stock of their situation and live according to their means.

i would like to c blanket coverage 4 everyone, incxluding dr visits hospitalization,, any needed treatments , chemo radiatrion, dialysis, whatwever is needed, i would b willing to pay a federal sales tax to cover costs, the lo income earner pays far less than the hi income earner, and b4 the hi income earner cries foul, which end of the spectrum wud they rather b on, everyone covered, the rich cud still pay extra 4 their perks

Presupposing that you have to "give up" something is greatly disturbing. I pay for a good healthcare plan, I'm satisfied with my coverage. Why do I have to "give up" something? Here's an idea, let's start with limiting the malpractice lawsuits...oh wait, the trial lawyers are a key constituency of the Democrats. I guess that will never happen.

I'm willing to give up insurance benefits for all city, county, state and federal employees. I gave up medical care for 13 years waiting for congress to pass legislation on health care for all. I worked to pay for their healthcare as I went without. Try and estimate how much money would be saved to put towards uninsured taxpayers heathcare. Burecrats would be screaming to get the legislation passed if they would have to give up their benefits. After all, they are all glorified welfare receipents at the cost of the taxpayers.

I, myself, don't have anything at the time to give up because I'm currently disabled and insured, but I hope they do all they can to assist those that's in desperate need of health care insurance, especially the terminally ill and those unable and no longer can care for themselves.

Greenville, MS

Tony,

Americans need to know more about this plan. Will I have options? If so, what will they be? How much will be required from my employer?
Before I can say what I will give up, I need to know what MY options are. We talk about incentives for the medical profession, but what about incentives for the common American who can afford and enjoy things the way they are?

I am not willing to give up good coverage, but perhaps a little more in taxes.

take away medicare part D and convert the funds to health care reform

I would like to add that the US should take the best parts of what the Canadian model for health care is. We are not perfect but you can build upon a health care system that has taken care of my whole family.

Taxes towards products which are harmful to your system makes sense that the government should set that aside in case you need help from consuming to much of those products.

Need doctors is the biggest issue in solving Canadian health care problems in Canada. Solve that one US and you are on your way.

I am a small business owner. If this policy were to pass, I would be more inclined to drop all of my employees heath care benefits and pay the penalty. This is the smart thing to do from a business stand point. In the end, this would create more of a burden on tax payers in the US.

Healthcare should be a constitutional right.

If I could be guaranteed to have all of my medical needs covered and still have a great quality of care, I would pay higher taxes. Your own health is more important than money! Anyway I'm probably paying more out of pocket every year for uncovered procedures and experiences more stress than I would with higher taxes and guaranteed health care.

I pay approximately $160.00 a month to my employer for my health insurance. I would be willing to pay that amount to the government if it would mean not having to go through what that woman with cancer had to go through. I have lots of health problems and I have been ignoring them knowing that I cannot afford to what I need to do. I cannot afford to be out of work. I cannot afford to have the insurance company that I have been plowing money into tell me that I am too sick to get coverage.

I want to know why the woman with cancer couldn't get the government to make her insurance company step up to the plate and do what was right. This is not car insurance witch the option to total the car because it is beyond repair or would cost more to repair it that to get a new one. The insurance in on an irreplaceable human being.

We all know that how complex this issue can be. The fact are that the concerns on both sides of this debate are right. The result must be a debate about the cost and benefits of these ideas. We must stand up for change and change always takes debate. We need to focus on prevention and wellness. This in my opinion should be the cornerstone of our reform. President Obama please make sure its right, make sure we dont get the wool pulled over our eyes

I'm willing to give up this god-forsaking war in Iraq, which will create more revenue toward the health care crisis

I would gladly give up all the foreign aid to countries that should take care of themselves. There is plenty of tax dollars to take care of our citizens and country first!

To Peggy Toney: I agree with your sentiments. I, too, am a Medicare recipient and a Democrat leaning left. Isn't it strange that some people want the rewards without the payment. I would gladly pay a tax within my economic range to take care of all people. There are those who call themselves Christians who don't want to pay for "the least among us". Why is that? Also, isn't it written that those with the most resources will be expected to share their good fortune? Medicare is a wonderful program, but we also need supplemental insurance which I believe is the right thing. My part D drug program, however, while it saves the day for me, is controlled by an insurance company who charges the highest price for drugs (to get to the "donut hole" as fast as possible). So, that is a disappointment. Healthcare definitely needs to break the stranglehold insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies have on it. While I believe there should be a government option, I also believe that we should have private insurance supplements. Only competition will bring the supplemental care and drug costs down. Also, in order to keep good doctors, we cannot cut their compensation to the point where they leave the system. I absolutely believe that Obama is doing a credible job. It is a gigantic undertaking.

From Mount Juliet, Tennessee

Just about everything that is required.

My husband and I are in our late 50's. He has health insurance from work but every year it covers less and less. This year we have a new limit of 100,000 per year for both of us. Oh Joy. We are both pretty healthy, take very good care of ourselves, but one heart attack and it's all gone.

Yes.. we purchase additional insurance, but even that is limited. 2 Years ago we put our house in my 30 year old son's name because he gets to have good insurance. The insurance companies are still willing to insure 30 year olds, close to 60 and you get shown the door.

Over 45 years of being healthy, paying insurance year after year after year.. and now we get to pray that nothing major happens before we turn 66 or we loose everything.

Up to 10% of my Social Security check because I am confident that not doing anything will end up costing ME more in the long run!! Health care cost will keep gong up as the vested interest ups their spending on lobbying and continues to gouge the uninsured! I am appalled at how we just eat up the trash doled up by the ex-Canadian who talks about how bad their insurance is and no one talks about those who have NO health insurance. We can improve on something we have! God know, we have been talking about this for how many years??????

Law makers lack the compassion needed to pass this health care bill, as they have no idea what the average person faces economically. Health care is an economic struggle- and in America it essentially boils down to dollars.
As a world super-power, it's unbelievable that we cannot keep our people healthy without them having to worry about affordability.
As someone who has had health insurance which was totally lousy, to someone who has also lost insurance, I can say that I AM willing to be taxed a little more for something as essential as health insurance.

If I could be guaranteed to have all of my medical needs covered and still have a great quality of care, I would pay higher taxes. Your own health is more important than money! Anyway I’m probably paying more out of pocket every year for uncovered procedures and experience more stress than I would with higher taxes and guaranteed health care.

I am willing to pay higher taxes if necessary, but I think if all are covered, it will not cost so much for insurance and will balance out. The point is that all of us who have insurance are paying for all those who don't or can't get it. And that is the most expensive care of all - having to go to the ER to see a Doctor! Finally, here is the question that should be asked: What kind of a country are we, anyway? Since when did it become okay not to take care of those who can't take care of themselves?