Many aging parents of aging adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs have been quite concerned about rumors being spread over the internet about some of the healthcare proposals being considered.
The AARP Bulletin has a good discussion of the health care reform ideas:
Understanding the proposals and
tackling myths like
healthcare rationing I'm more concerned that healthcare reform will be too little, too late for many families - as far as I've seen, we already have healthcare rationing and too little preventive care to avoid the more expensive option of using emergency rooms because they could not afford a clinic visit when conditions were treatable at an earlier less dangerous stage.
From what I've seen on TV, everybody needs to take a deep breath and recognize that not much problem solving will be accomplished by everyone shouting "How can you believe THAT?!?"
We can have a dozen differences of opinion even in small groups at friendly churches - not to mention over dinner with family on holidays - so it's not surprising to me to find a diversity of opinion everywhere else.
I was touched by President Obama's story of listening to his mom argue with her insurance company from her hospital bed when she was sick with cancer - that was such a powerful image to me that I had great hopes he would inspire Congress to create healthcare reform that would be meaningful for my family, even if it does not take effect until 2012 or later.
My representatives are aware of my concerns and our family's issues because I have contacted them regularly over the years as an advocate for people with disabilities, as well as for neighbors who have been struggling due to the economy, those who own small businesses, and those whose families include troops currently or recently in service. I certainly will urge them to make the best possible decisions on healthcare reform for my family and community.
Pam W
SE of Seattle
Developmental Disability and Chronic Health Conditions
Down Syndrome and Diabetes Dual Diagnosis 
