WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vermonters Appear Divided on Health Care

Vermonters Appear Divided on Health Care

Williston, Vermont -- October 10, 2009

Vermont Congressman Peter Welch held two more town meetings on health care reform in Vermont today. This, as sweeping legislation that would create government insurance heads toward a series of votes in Congress.

Welch has held several of these meetings and throughout has remained committed to the proposals advanced by his fellow Democrats. He says reform would reduce the cost of health care for everyone, unlike the current trajectory of steadily rising cost.

He addressed the crowd before taking questions and comments. He said, "In the next decade without any health care reform, employer costs, they're trying to pay the premiums for their workers are going to rise 166 percent."

Welch called for a civil discussion, and this meeting at the Williston Central School remained civil, but still contentious. People feel strongly on both sides. Supporters brought printed signs paid for by the pro-single payer Vermont Workers Center. Matt Kimball of Burlington said, "I feel that as a citizen of this country I should be guaranteed health care, as a human right," which drew applause.

A hand-made sign listed concerns that some feel have not been heard, such as whether reform would cover illegal immigrants. And many question the timing. Joeie Clark of Fairfax told Welch, "I'm wondering why our representatives are trying not to let us read the bills before you vote on them."

Pat Nowak of South Burlington urged caution. "So please be careful that you don't do something we can't reverse," she implored. "Do no harm to us."

Welch said he remains a strong supporter of single payer, or universal government insurance. Skeptics say the government can't cover the health programs it already has.

Marie Chamberlin of Richmond said, "For Medicare Part A, it's under-funded by 36.7 trillion. Part B, 37 trillion, I believe you should pay for those before you start anything else," which drew applause.

Opponents say under-funded government programs drive up the cost of private insurance in what's called cost-shifting. Advocates argue the opposite, that reform would get rid of cost-shifting.

Laura Middleton of Essex Junction said, "I think a single payer option presents the opportunity to get away from that shift, and gives employers a break from having to try to cover their employees."

Opinion appeared to be roughly evenly divided for and against federal health care reform, although Congressman Welch is firmly in favor of it. He traveled southward to White River Junction for a second meeting.

Andy Potter -- WCAX News.