Health care bill will save nation $143 billion, Begich says

March 27, 2010

Sen. Mark Begich says people are calling his office to learn how the health care bill can benefit them, their families and their businesses. (Jonathan Hartford/KTUU-DT)

by Rebecca Palsha
Friday, March 26, 2010

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- It's a vote some say could cost Democrats House and Senate seats in Washington, D.C. With the rhetoric on both sides shaping public opinion, how could the health care debate affect the upcoming elections?

Sen. Mark Begich, a yes vote in December on the health care reform bill passed by the U.S. House this week, spoke to reporters after flying back from the nation's capital Friday.

"I wouldn't vote for something that would destroy the country," Begich said. "So I have a view, and I think it's not a perfect bill. There's going to be work for a decade-plus to come in regards to this legislation, but I think it's a step in the right direction."

Begich also explained what the bill means for Alaskans, and for the Alaska Native community.

Alaska is home to nearly 230 federally recognized tribes, the highest of any state in the nation. Begich says the new bill calls for reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which would bring new health care programs to the state -- as well as tens of millions of dollars for Indian health services.

The legislation would also allow long-term health care facilities for seniors and elders to be built next to hospitals.

"You'd think it's a small little issue, but in the villages this is a very important piece of the health care delivery system for their elders, that they're not only next to the hospital, but they're part of the system," Begich said.

Begich says the Improvement Act has not been re-authorized in nearly two decades.

The direction the debate has taken has been emotional and at times ugly, with some Republicans saying it will cost Democrats their seats in November.

"My assumption is, his constituents have spoken and the health care folks in the community have spoken, and overwhelmingly against the health care bill." said Steve Colligan, vice chair of the Alaska Republican Party.

But Begich says some of those same constituents are now calling him and sending messages on Facebook, showing their support -- and asking how the bill can help them.

"We're now getting the calls from people who want to know how can they use this health care bill to benefit them, their families, and their business," Begich said. "That's the calls we're starting to get now. It's amazing."

Still, Republicans say the bill doesn't fully address Medicare or how to pay for portions of the bill, and Begich's vote could hurt him and his fellow Democratic lawmakers.

"I would think this is a pivotal moment and a decision against a majority of his constituents that people will remember," Colligan said.

"I can tell you that if folks campaign on taking away health care for kids, health care for seniors or prescription drug coverage for seniors, or taking away the credits, tax cuts for small business so they can finally buy insurance for their employees, I wish them the best," Begich said. "I think it's going to be difficult."

Begich says the health care reform bill will cut costs for Alaskans, and the new law will reduce the country's deficit by $143 billion.

Contact Rebecca Palsha at rpalsha@ktuu.com

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