House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer brought healthcare reform discussion to his constituents Tuesday night when he held a town hall meeting at North Point High School in Waldorf.
Hoyer, a vocal supporter of healthcare reform, was greeted with simultaneous applause and boos from the crowd of 1,482 citizens. Many in attendance sported buttons, stickers and t shirts showing their support for or disapproval of the proposed reforms in the America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200).
James J. Xinis, President and CEO of Calvert Memorial Hospital addressed the crowd, asking everyone to adhere to the rules in an effort to keep the meeting “non-partisan and neutral,” treating each other “fairly and respectfully.”
The congressman said, “I’ve never had a town meeting as large as this.” Hoyer reminded the crowd how healthcare reform has been a vital political issue for decades, quoting from Presidents Truman, Nixon and J.F.K. It’s a problem he says is “growing more pressing every year.”
Hoyer detailed how the bill can provide “security and stability for the middle class” by eliminating caps, ending discrimination for pre-existing conditions, and creating a national health insurance exchange to compete with the skyrocketing costs of private insurance. He also explained the plan to strengthen Medicare and make healthcare more feasible for small businesses.
Deputies of Charles County escorted two citizens out after an altercation broke out in the stands.
Several other speakers joined Hoyer on stage. Dr. Zaneb Beams, a pediatrician with offices in Laurel and Columbia, said, “Doctors support healthcare reform.” Retired Lt. Col. George Forrest addressed the veterans, telling them, “You are protected under this bill.”
The crowd was repeatedly reminded of the rules and police officers stayed busy quieting disruptions and dissuading any out-of-line behavior. The crowd began pointing at their watches, waving the red tickets they were given for their chance to speak and shouting, “We want questions!” Many left early, visibly aggravated.
Many called to the microphone shared personal accounts of how inadequate and expensive healthcare hits close to home while others asked very specific questions about eligibility, costs and accountability. The first citizen called to speak, April Burke of Mechanicsville stated, “We want government out of our business!” The crowd wildly reacted. Outbursts of “Don’t get sick!” and “Dissolve the fed!” were shouted.
Sharon Eagle, reminding Hoyer of a problem within his district, said, “We have no doctors in Southern Maryland!” This shortage, the congressman agreed was a “critical issue” which he suggested would be quelled by the bill’s initiative to create more doctors and healthcare professionals through scholarships and training.
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