Health care discussion looks at Hagel's, Kerrey's proposals

Retiring Sen. Chuck Hagel, a Republican, and former Sen. Bob Kerrey, a Democrat, were the central figures in a forum on healthcare held Oct. 9 at UNL's Kimball Hall.A recording of the event was played in the sparsely filled College of Public Affairs and Community Service commons area. It was part of the inaugural Saturday Morning Coffee, Tea and Policy event. Afterwards, UNO sociology professor Boyd Littrell led a discussion.

The morning gatherings are sponsored by Democracy Matters, a student organization supported by UNO's Lifelong Learning Initiative, which involves local senior citizens in classes to discover opportunities and connect with people.

Participants watched as Kerrey recognized the rising cost of health care and the urgent need for reform. He acknowledged the fact that insurance premiums are increasing at a blazing speed: 78 percent in the last eight years. He compared this to inflation, which rose 17 percent during the same period.

Hagel emphasized the need for a comprehensive solution to all three major government entitlement programs: Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

"Unfortunately, all three are on trajectories that cannot be sustained," Hagel said in a statement before the forum.

Both speakers said they understood the hesitancy of politicians to face the health care problem with a tangible solution. At the same time, they had distinct approaches to dealing with uninsured citizens.

Hagel proposed a federal health care board. This institution would guide the transformation of the nation's health care system and establish a national standard for a basic health plan. He said the board should be created based on the recommendations of a commission of experts.

Kerrey, on the other hand, put forth a plan to remove health care eligibility requirements such as employment. A broader range of people would be covered based on minimum qualifications that would make the system simpler.

"Coverage of every American with some kind of insurance has to be part of the solution," Kerrey said.

The first event of the new discussion series had low attendance - only four people, including the moderator. The intimate environment, however, led to more diverse conversations with each person getting a chance to voice opinions.

"It has to be a mammoth effort like putting a man on the moon," said Mark Witty, a local optometrist, in reference to the health care crisis. Witty said he attended the event because he's "an info geek" and is interested in the conversation surrounding the health care system.

Most participants were in their 50s or older, which is the target audience of the Lifelong Learning Initiative.

The initiative was created because UNO is a publicly funded university and wants to give opportunities to people of all ages, said Lyn Holley, an assistant professor of gerontology.

Seniors can take classes taught by UNO instructors for as little as $25, Holley said. The intent is to fight ageism and get older generations more active and involved.