Healthcare Reform Passes: How Will it Impact MI?
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Updated: 6:14 AM Mar 22, 2010
Healthcare Reform Passes: How Will it Impact MI?
Now that the bill has passed, two Michigan representatives explain how it will impact Mid-Michigan.
Posted: 10:50 PM Mar 21, 2010
Reporter: Katie Kim
Email Address: katie.kim@wilx.com
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"This is a real win for the American people."

A win especially for Mid-Michigan residents, says Rep. Mark Schauer (D)-7th District.

"There are over 167,000 families and over 12,000 businesses that would be eligible for tax credits to afford the same kind of insurance I get as a member of congress," says Schauer.

Schauer also tells us more than 400,000 people just in his district alone will receive improved benefits. But Rep. Mike Rogers (R)-8th District says Michiganders have the right to choose their own coverage.

"We're blessed in Mid-Michigan to have high insurance rates. People have insurance. And rightly so, people are worried about losing the insurance that they like," says Rogers.

Rogers believes the healthcare bill is deceptive.

"All the taxes will start right away when the president signs the bill, but coverage won't start until 2014."

But Schauer assures the new bill will provide immediate coverage to the nation's most vulnerable.

"Children can no longer be discriminated based on pre-existing conditions. Senior citizens will receive relief from falling into the prescription drug donut-hole," says Schauer.

Of course, you can't talk about the healthcare bill without talking about its nearly $1 trillion pricetag. Congressman Schauer says the bill will reduce the federal deficit by billions over time. But Congressman Rogers tells us the bill isn't worth the sacrifice.

"They go after a half a trillion dollars from the medicare trust fund and the social security trust fund. I think it's just wrong," says Rogers.

One thing both congressmen can agree on -- the need to provide comprehensive universal coverage to Americans.


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