www.whitehouse.gov "realitycheck"

[Stephanie]

Videos to debunk the lies:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/

Whether or not you have health insurance right now, the reforms we seek will bring stability and security that you don't have today.
This isn't about politics. This is about people's lives. This is about people's businesses. This is about our future.
-President Barack Obama

http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/

Reform will stop "rationing" - not increase it

Kavita Patel, who works with Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett and who worked for years before as a physician, debunks the myth that reform will mean a "government takeover" of health care or lead to "rationing." To the contrary, reform will forbid many forms of rationing that are currently being used by insurance companies.

The "euthanasia" distortion on help for families

Melody Barnes, the President's Director of the Domestic Policy Council, debunks the malicious myth that reform would encourage or even require euthanasia for seniors.


Vets' health care is safe and sound

Matt Flavin, Director of Veterans and Wounded Warrior Policy, explains that nothing in health insurance reform will affect veterans' access to the care they get now. To the contrary, the President's budget greatly expands coverage for veterans who have been denied access in the past.

You can keep your own insurance

Linda Douglass of the White House Office of Health Reform debunks the myth that reform will force you out of your current insurance plan or force you to change doctors. To the contrary, reform will expand your choices, not eliminate them.

Reform will benefit small business - not burden it

Christina Romer, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, debunks the myth that health insurance reform will hurt small businesses. To the contrary, reform will ease the burdens on small businesses and help level the playing field with big firms who pay much less to cover their employees on average.

Your Medicare is safe, and stronger with reform

Robert Kocher of the National Economic Council debunks the myth that Health Insurance Reform would be financed by cutting Medicare benefits. To the contrary, reform would simply eliminate waste and unnecessary subsidies to insurance companies.

FAQ

http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq/#s2

Q: A lot of seniors seem to be concerned about a provision in the House bill that would provide counseling for end of life care. They think it sounds like the government will come along every five years and require you to talk about how you want to end your life.

A: This provision, which has been supported by the AARP, would allow senior citizens access to a professional medical counselor who will provide them with any information they might need about preparing a living will, providing medical power of attorney, and—if they are seeking this kind of advice—end of life decisions. These counseling sessions are not mandatory; they are simply made available to those who wish to use the service because they are unable to receive the information from another source. This means that if a senior is seeking such advice and guidance, Medicare would cover it. . This measure would allow Medicare to compensate doctors for discussing with their patients the most difficult care choices – those that happen at the end of life. It would actually empower individuals to make the best decisions for themselves and their families, and better ensure that their wishes will be followed.

[WePurrsevere]

1. Very good! Bookmarked! One thing I hear a lot isn't covered...

It goes something like this, "They'll penalize people who can't afford to pay for this insurance."

It would be handy to have a factual come back to address this fear with logic. (FWIW these aren't freeper type twits.. they're "not into politics" Dems/Indy's who can be reasoned with so I prefer to address them logic and facts.)

[FirstLight]

2. I emailed the direc link to the whitehouse site

To people on my list who are liberal AND my fundie BIL and Father...hoping to help debunk the Faux news in their heads as well!

[DailyGrind51]

3. Thank you for the great reference!

[datasuspect]

4. all the facts in the world have no bearing WHATSOEVER on the right wing and their stooges

you can talk until you are blue in the face, but these folks cannot be swayed by reason.

you have to scare them or beat them into submission.

[Barack_America]

5. Good defense. Can we also try a little offense?

OFA asked me to schedule a meeting with my rep. and I will be meeting with him tomorrow. But that's basically the only guidance I've gotten from the WH.

[goclark]

6. At this point it is critical that the Sane people in America stay informed

As for the others, as my uncle would say, " You can't make Chicken Salad out of Chicken S---."