Reform bill is very misleading to all

Mr. Paul Graves’ column in the Aug. 20 Bee is very misleading to seniors and everyone else. He complained about the so-called scare tactics used at town hall meetings. I suggest that he and everyone else read the entire bill and not just selected sections. (It can be obtained from the House government Web site.) It is a very serious concern, especially to seniors.

I will give just a few examples. Page 21, Section 113 allows “for higher rates up to two times for age categories.”

Page 30, Section 123 creates an advisory committee to recommend covered benefits and all members of the committee are appointed by the president.

Page 32 applies to benefit standards set, and Page 33, benefit standards defined includes categories of covered treatments, items and services. This committee can set services given to people and restrict them to persons who are deemed too old to receive them. I believe this is the “death panel” that most knowledgeable people are referring to.

Page 35 provides for the adoption of the standards set by the committee. One other very questionable section is Section 1173 (A) entitled “Standardize Electronic Administrative Transactions.” Section D enables “real time determination of an individual’s financial responsibility to the point of service.” Section C: “Enable electronic fund transfers in order to allow automated reconciliation with the related health care payment.”

This would allow doctors and hospitals and the government to access one’s bank accounts at will. No thanks.

There are many more questionable and undesirable sections to this bill and I suggest everyone obtain a copy and become familiar with its contents. Then they will realize whey there is so much opposition at town hall meetings and why the huge “scare tactics” advertising is going on by President Abeam and the administration.

HAROLD W. DAVIDSON

Sandpoint