Obama Determined To Reform US Health System
Current World News Comments (0)
10:52pm UK, Friday July 24, 2009
Greg Milam, US correspondent
Barack Obama says controversial healthcare reforms will happen by the end of the year – even as it takes a toll on his own popularity.
Obama wants to extend the healthcare system
The US President wants to cut the spiralling cost of healthcare but also extend coverage to the 50 million Americans who have no health insurance.
But Republicans, and even some Democrats, are worried about the cost of an NHS-style plan.
Opinion polls have shown a dip in Obama’s approval ratings and an increase in the number of Americans who believe the country is moving in the wrong direction.
The President’s Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel said: “I think we will have a bill by the end of the year for the President to sign on healthcare reform that controls costs, expands coverage and provides choice.”
Obama says the plan is being bogged down by Republicans who see it as a chance to “break” him.
“I’ve got great health insurance so does every member of Congress has great health insurance.
“So this is not about me. It’s about the letters I read in the Oval Office, the stories I hear at town hall meetings.”
Barbra Lancelot worked for the US government for 35 years but lost her health insurance when she lost her job.
She needs surgery, suffers from arthritis and fibromyalgia and relies on charities and relatives for support.
I’ve got great health insurance so does every member of Congress has great health insurance. So this is not about me. It’s about the letters I read in the Oval Office, the stories I hear at town hall meetings
Barack Obama
She said: “People are far too preoccupied with how they are doing financially and what they have for their families, far too little concerned about the people who do without.”
One of the most alarming revelations in this week’s polls is the fall in the number of Americans who believe President Obama understands the problems of everyday life.
Craig Gordon, White House editor of Politico magazine, said: “He’s got to be able to translate his personal popularity into popularity for his policies and he’s not been able to do that yet.
“I think the more the public learn about things like the healthcare plan – a big government solution – I think there’ll be a lot of worry there.”
admin @ July 25, 2009