Health care reform and vaccines?

[CAMom]

Hi,

 

Has anyone who has actually read the bill read anything about mandated vaccines?

 

In passing this morning I saw something about the new bill mandating that all children receive all vaccines. I have not read the bill myself and was just wondering if anyone knew the answer.

 

Thanks!

[Carrie12345]

I found a section titled "Federally Recommended Vaccines", but it isn't in English. (Well, yes it is, but it only cites amendments, not original wording, so nothing is in context.)

 

I'm pinning my hopes on the word "Recommended".

[Mrs Mungo]

Everything I see in the house bill (using ctrl+f) that mentions vaccines is ensuring that recommended vaccines are paid for and without cost-sharing and/or improving access to vaccines for those that desire them. I don't see anything *requiring* vaccines.

[FaithManor]

From the Dec. 20th, 2009 version of the Senate Bill (just passed by the House) H.R. 3590 pg. 1146 found on a natural news/vaccine health website but directly quoted from the bill itself:

 

‘‘providing for home visits that promote immunization through education, assessments of need, referrals, provision of immunizations, or other services; ‘‘providing immunization reminders or recalls for target populations of clients, patients, and consumersâ€; ‘ providing reminders or recalls for immunization providers; and ‘‘ immunization information systems to allow all States to have electronic databases for immunization recordsâ€.

 

 

[FaithManor]

Also, from Matthew D. Staver Founder and Chairman, Dean, and Professor of Law - Liberty Counsel, Liberty University School of Law L.C.org

law.liberty.edu Licensed to practice in the state of Florida and the District of Columbia, Having read the Healthcare Bill:

 

pg.765 section 1711 - "Government will require Preventative services & Vaccines." end quote

 

Faith

[Sue G in PA]

So what about the existing "exemptions"? Anything about them? There will need to be a medical exemption for those with compromised immune systems. And what about religious exemptions? They'll have to take my kids away before I let me "require" me to vaccinate them. AND, they will have to sign a paper guaranteeing that my children will not be harmed in any way whatsoever. As if i wasn't burning hot and on fire about this already...:glare:

[Carrie12345]

Also, from Matthew D. Staver Founder and Chairman, Dean, and Professor of Law - Liberty Counsel, Liberty University School of Law L.C.org

law.liberty.edu Licensed to practice in the state of Florida and the District of Columbia, Having read the Healthcare Bill:

 

pg.765 section 1711 - "Government will require Preventative services & Vaccines." end quote

 

Faith

 

You're referring to the section titled "Required COVERAGE of Preventative Services" (caps mine). I believe the quote, minus the punctuation.

[whitestavern]

This was sent to me by a friend:

 

The Federal Government’s proposed mandatory health insurance will mean mandatory vaccinations/immunizations. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that for anyone who refuses to keep up-to-date vaccinations, under the new health reform, you will not be able to obtain any health care you may need until immunizations are current.

 

and it's from this website:

 

http://www.youronlineinsurance.com/health-insurance/will-fed-governments-proposed-mandatory-health-insurance-work-141/#comment-9

 

I'm not familiar with the website so can't vouch for its contents, but it seems to be just an insurance website.

[mommaduck]

This was sent to me by a friend:

 

The Federal Government’s proposed mandatory health insurance will mean mandatory vaccinations/immunizations. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that for anyone who refuses to keep up-to-date vaccinations, under the new health reform, you will not be able to obtain any health care you may need until immunizations are current.

 

and it's from this website:

 

http://www.youronlineinsurance.com/health-insurance/will-fed-governments-proposed-mandatory-health-insurance-work-141/#comment-9

 

I'm not familiar with the website so can't vouch for its contents, but it seems to be just an insurance website.

Sign my child's death warrant so she can receive health care???

[elizabeth]

It would seem that it is not wise to avoid reading the bill yourself. Do you really trust an insurance site who is giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to those who would oppose the bill ?

[Gretchen in NJ]

This does not sound good.:001_unsure:

[yinne]

Here is the section from the bill that covers immunizations. I have been looking through this bill today and have come to the conclusion that until this thing is implemented we really aren't going to know in what ways we will be affected. It seems that every other section is, the Secretary will implement..., the Secretary will determine...., the Secretary will grant.... Until we see that implementation we just aren't going to know for sure what the effects will be.

 

SEC. 4204. IMMUNIZATIONS.

 

(a) State Authority tTo Purchase Recommended Vaccines for Adults- Section 317 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b) is amended by adding at the end the following:

‘(l) Authority to Purchase Recommended Vaccines for Adults-

 

‘(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary may negotiate and enter into contracts with manufacturers of vaccines for the purchase and delivery of vaccines for adults as provided for under subsection (e).

‘(2) STATE PURCHASE- A State may obtain additional quantities of such adult vaccines (subject to amounts specified to the Secretary by the State in advance of negotiations) through the purchase of vaccines from manufacturers at the applicable price negotiated by the Secretary under this subsection.’.

 

(b) Demonstration Program to Improve Immunization Coverage- Section 317 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b), as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the following:

 

‘(m) Demonstration Program tTo Improve Immunization Coverage-

 

‘(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall establish a demonstration program to award grants to States to improve the provision of recommended immunizations for children, adolescents, and adults through the use of evidence-based, population-based interventions for high-risk populations.

 

‘(2) STATE PLAN- To be eligible for a grant under paragraph (1), a State shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including a State plan that describes the interventions to be implemented under the grant and how such interventions match with local needs and capabilities, as determined through consultation with local authorities.

 

‘(3) USE OF FUNDS- Funds received under a grant under this subsection shall be used to implement interventions that are recommended by the Task Force on Community Preventive Services (as established by the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or other evidence-based interventions, including--

 

‘(A) providing immunization reminders or recalls for target populations of clients, patients, and consumers;

 

‘(B) educating targeted populations and health care providers concerning immunizations in combination with one or more other interventions;

 

‘© reducing out-of-pocket costs for families for vaccines and their administration;

 

‘(D) carrying out immunization-promoting strategies for participants or clients of public programs, including assessments of immunization status, referrals to health care providers, education, provision of on-site immunizations, or incentives for immunization;

 

‘(E) providing for home visits that promote immunization through education, assessments of need, referrals, provision of immunizations, or other services;

‘(F) providing reminders or recalls for immunization providers;

 

‘(G) conducting assessments of, and providing feedback to, immunization providers;

 

‘(H) any combination of one or more interventions described in this paragraph; or

‘(I) immunization information systems to allow all States to have electronic databases for immunization records.

 

‘(4) CONSIDERATION- In awarding grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider any reviews or recommendations of the Task Force on Community Preventive Services.

‘(5) EVALUATION- Not later than 3 years after the date on which a State receives a grant under this subsection, the State shall submit to the Secretary an evaluation of progress made toward improving immunization coverage rates among high-risk populations within the State.

 

‘(6) REPORT TO CONGRESS- Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of the Affordable Health Choices Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report concerning the effectiveness of the demonstration program established under this subsection together with recommendations on whether to continue and expand such program.

 

‘(7) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subsection, such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014.’.

 

© Reauthorization of Immunization Program- Section 317(j) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247b(j)) is amended--

 

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘for each of the fiscal years 1998 through 2005’; and

 

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘after October 1, 1997,’.

 

(d) Rule of Construction Regarding Access to Immunizations- Nothing in this section (including the amendments made by this section), or any other provision of this Act (including any amendments made by this Act) shall be construed to decrease children’s access to immunizations.

 

(e) GAO Study and Report on Medicare Beneficiary Access to Vaccines-

(1) STUDY- The Comptroller General of the United States (in this section referred to as the ‘Comptroller General’) shall conduct a study on the ability of Medicare beneficiaries who were 65 years of age or older to access routinely recommended vaccines covered under the prescription drug program under part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act over the period since the establishment of such program. Such study shall include the following:

 

(A) An analysis and determination of--

 

(i) the number of Medicare beneficiaries who were 65 years of age or older and were eligible for a routinely recommended vaccination that was covered under part D;

(ii) the number of such beneficiaries who actually received a routinely recommended vaccination that was covered under part D; and

 

(iii) any barriers to access by such beneficiaries to routinely recommended vaccinations that were covered under part D.

(B) A summary of the findings and recommendations by government agencies, departments, and advisory bodies (as well as relevant professional organizations) on the impact of coverage under part D of routinely recommended adult immunizations for access to such immunizations by Medicare beneficiaries.

(2) REPORT- Not later than June 1, 2011, the Comptroller General shall submit to the appropriate committees of jurisdiction of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1), together with recommendations for such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

(3) FUNDING- Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there are appropriated $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 to carry out this subsection

 

 

 

Yvonne in NE

 

(I've downloaded a copy of the bill--makes for easier searching.)

Edited March 23, 2010 by yinne

[ChristusG]

I have no idea what any of that says. :confused:

 

This is making me very nervous.....about 2 years ago I denied all further vaccinations for my children. I may selectively vaccinate them as they get older. But I want to make that decision for myself. I really want to know if vaccinations will be mandatory.

[QueenCat]

I don't see anything in this that will actually REQUIRE vaccinations.

[Crimson Wife]

What makes me nervous is the bit about the government offering "incentives" to parents who vaccinate. How many government programs started off voluntary but wound up mandatory down the road?

 

The religious exemption is fine for those who refuse ALL vax, but what about those of us who choose to selectively vax? Right now all I have to do is affirm that I have a philosophical objection to a particular shot and that's it.

[jillian]

What makes me nervous is the bit about the government offering "incentives" to parents who vaccinate. How many government programs started off voluntary but wound up mandatory down the road?

 

The religious exemption is fine for those who refuse ALL vax, but what about those of us who choose to selectively vax? Right now all I have to do is affirm that I have a philosophical objection to a particular shot and that's it.

agree. it scares me. also any plans for "education reform" scares me too. i will not hesitate to leave the country if they attempt to take away my rights to parent as i see fit. i know it sounds extreme but it is very true

[Mrs Mungo]

agree. it scares me. also any plans for "education reform" scares me too. i will not hesitate to leave the country if they attempt to take away my rights to parent as i see fit. i know it sounds extreme but it is very true

 

And go where? I'm just curious.

[jillian]

And go where? I'm just curious.

no idea honestly lol. somewhere my choices as a parent are valid--somewhere where my choices to vax or not vax (or selectively vax) are respected. i haven't had to think about it for a long time

Edited March 23, 2010 by jillian

[Perry]

This bill is requiring that we purchase a product from the insurance companies. They are quite happy about this bill. So much for Obama and avoiding special interests!!

Where are you reading that?

‘(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary may negotiate and enter into contracts with manufacturers of vaccines for the purchase and delivery of vaccines for adults as provided for under subsection (e).

Manufacturers aren't insurance companies. They are pharmaceutical companies.

[Teachin'Mine]

Yvonne thank you so much for posting the actual writing in the bill. It's so much better to look at the actual source than to read others interpretations or clips taken out of context, as so many internet sources will do.

 

I agree, there's nothing there requiring vaccinations. I see a lot of the language dealing with making sure that seniors, and others, have access to flu shots and all. There's a difference between choosing not to vaccinate after having made an informed decision for your family, and not vaccinating because you can't afford to, or having providers deny access. In my opinion, I think that that's what this is trying to prevent.

[Mergath]

Welcome to Socialism. Basically, we all have just become wards of the state.

 

You might want to look up the definition of socialism. Contrary to popular opinion, the government being involved in anything does not automatically equate socialism, or communism, or fascism, or any of the other buzzwords floating around right now.

[The Governess]

Yvonne thank you so much for posting the actual writing in the bill. It's so much better to look at the actual source than to read others interpretations or clips taken out of context' date=' as so many internet sources will do.

 

I agree, there's nothing there requiring vaccinations. I see a lot of the language dealing with making sure that seniors, and others, have access to flu shots and all. There's a difference between choosing not to vaccinate after having made an informed decision for your family, and not vaccinating because you can't afford to, or having providers deny access. In my opinion, I think that that's what this is trying to prevent.[/quote']

 

I agree with this. There are several vaccines out there (hepatitis A and B being two of them) that are covered for children under our insurance policy but not for adults. When dh and I traveled to Asia we decided to be vaccinated for hep A and B and had to pay out of pocket for our vaccines (and you have to get them multiple times - 3 doses for one and 2 for the other). I think between the two of us we spent over $800. But we felt it would be unwise to travel to a country where hepatitis is prevalent without that protection. I'm glad they are going to start covering adult vaccinations in cases like this. I'm not sure how I feel about other parts of the bill ;) but this makes sense to me.

[lisamarie]

I guess I don't understand how this is any different than it is now. I already get "hate mail" from the health department about every 6 months informing me that my kids are behind in their vaccinations. I got one just last week pretty much demanding I take my kids in immediately to get the flu and H1N1 vaccines.

[jillian]

I guess I don't understand how this is any different than it is now. I already get "hate mail" from the health department about every 6 months informing me that my kids are behind in their vaccinations. I got one just last week pretty much demanding I take my kids in immediately to get the flu and H1N1 vaccines.

we don't, i'm sorry you have to deal with that. i have a great pediatrician that respects my choice though he doesn't agree with it.

[CAMom]

Thanks for the input! I guess the answer is: Nobody really knows right now.;)

[LauraGB]

I don't see anything in this that will actually REQUIRE vaccinations.

 

I sincerely hope this remains the case. Many of us willingly vaccinate our kids. Many of us don't because we don't feel there is evidence to prove it is safe. I really hope we maintain that right to choose. Not to stir an already simmering pot, but I was reading this morning about a contaminated vaccine that went to many, many millions of children world wide. The company assures us that there is currently "no evidence" of adverse affects, but is pulling the vaccine for now so they can do some studies. :confused:

 

I don't want to be forced to make a decision I might not comfortable with when it comes to my children's health. Nor do I want to pay a fine for my choice.

[Perry]

 

Are we both talking about the HC bill that Obama just signed today? Insurance companies most certainly sell a product- INSURANCE.

I'm sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you said vaccines would be purchased from the insurance companies. I went back and looked and I don't know how I came up with that. :confused:

[Gretchen in NJ]

You might want to look up the definition of socialism. Contrary to popular opinion, the government being involved in anything does not automatically equate socialism, or communism, or fascism, or any of the other buzzwords floating around right now.

I found this definition is my cultual dictionary.

An economic system in which the production and distribution of goods are controlled substantially by the government rather than by private enterprise, and in which cooperation rather than competition guides economic activity. There are many varieties of socialism. Some socialists tolerate capitalism, as long as the government maintains the dominant influence over the economy; others insist on an abolition of private enterprise. All communists are socialists, but not all socialists are communists.

The government will have a dominate influence in every part of the health care economy. IMHO This law sounds like socialism to me.

[Mergath]

I found this definition is my cultual dictionary.

 

The government will have a dominate influence in every part of the health care economy. IMHO This law sounds like socialism to me.

 

The government will not be controlling health care. If you honestly think that definition you posted is in any way applicable to current health care reform, I think you may be overreacting just a tad.

[Holly IN]

The government will not be controlling health care. If you honestly think that definition you posted is in any way applicable to current health care reform, I think you may be overreacting just a tad.

 

Actually the gov't is using Healthcare reform to control us through voting. ;) Their plan is to tax us right now for healthcare through many means (our income, purchases and so on) then break the economy then depression then tear the country and then build it up to a communistic facist nation.

 

Remember Medicare is BROKE!! 13 years ago I worked in the medical field in the patient accounts dept for hospitals and dr's offices. Medicare and Medicaid are the MAJOR denied claims over private insurance. What I am saying is that out of all the claims I have recieved back from Medicare and Medicaid as well as private insurance, Medicare/Medicaid came back the highest denial rate over private insurance. I was shocked and changed my tune from liberal ideals to conservative due to what I was seeing in my job. I changed my mind about private sector. Private sector denies less. Even now, I just call my insurance company if something is denied. About 95% of the time it was an error either on the dr's office part or the way it was filed. In the last 20 years, I had only 2 claims that were denied and it was legitamate. I had private insurance all these years. I was shocked over one patient amount of denial on her Medicare. She had more denials and I can't count on both of my hands. It was bad. So that is what I saw. So I do not believe this is an over-reaction. I truly believe it because I have seen it with my own eyes both with medicare and medicaid.

 

Holly

[OnTheBrink]

I guess I don't understand how this is any different than it is now. I already get "hate mail" from the health department about every 6 months informing me that my kids are behind in their vaccinations. I got one just last week pretty much demanding I take my kids in immediately to get the flu and H1N1 vaccines.

 

I'm not doubting what you're saying, but how does the health dept know what vaccines your child has had?

[LaissezFaire]

I'm not doubting what you're saying, but how does the health dept know what vaccines your child has had?

 

I don;t know how they know other than that the pediatrician is alerting them. Because I get the hate mail too. :(

[mommaduck]

Bacause some states keep a database where your child's vaccines are reported as they receive them...just as it is reported that your child was born. Then you start getting the reminders.

[OnTheBrink]

That's just wrong. We delayed vax for dd due to an egg allergy (I can't remember what all we delayed; it's been too long) and if I'd gotten "reminders" for vax, I'd have been livid.

 

There's just something creepy about the gov't knowing when your kids are vax'd, and your doc reporting it to them.

[Honey Bee]

Just remember to let your Senators and Representatives know how you feel. Remember YOUR vote counts. We are still a democracy and these are ELECTED officials. Get emails from an organization you believe in. I like Family Research Council, they send a great letter every day about things happening in Washington-good stuff you need to know.

[MomLovesClassics]

I have read a small portion of the healthcare bill, and so far I don't like the things I have read. I am no expert on what any of it means. I have used search engines out of curiosity about religious exemptions, and it appears that religious exemptions are next to impossible according to certain websites. I wish I knew a lawyer with a lot of free time that would summerize all the requirements.

I know this is off the subject but there was something in the bill about screening and providing couseling about domestic violence (if you do or not you have domestic violence in your household) during a "behavioral health assessment" I found that a bit questionable. Why do people need behavioral health assessments?

[Quad Shot Academy]

I'm not doubting what you're saying, but how does the health dept know what vaccines your child has had?

 

There is a national vaccine registry. You have to opt out of it if you do not want your child in the registry. I filled out pages of forms for each of my kids at every doctor office we went to since the registry was first started. I just found out last week that my kids have been in the registry all along anyway. Our new doctor knew what practice gave my kids previous shots.

[HappyGrace]

There's just something creepy about the gov't knowing when your kids are vax'd, and your doc reporting it to them.

 

Get used to it-this is our future now! :glare:

[teamturner]

The government will not be controlling health care. If you honestly think that definition you posted is in any way applicable to current health care reform, I think you may be overreacting just a tad.

 

That may be the case now, but in Obama and Pelosi's own words this is the first step in many health reforms to come. The goal is to get to a single payer system, Obama's own words. Once they achieve that, I don't think it's a big stretch to see the government controlling health care in this country. I just watched a CNN clip of Obama talking about the single payer system and how it would take a while to get to that. He likened a single payer system to Medicaid. Government funded not government run. What? Um, no thank you

 

And whether or not vaccines are required in this bill, who's to say it won't be later on? In the mean time, get ready for a whole bunch of new taxes. :glare:

[Mommyof4ks]

Get used to it-this is our future now! :glare:

 

Yes, I figure now we will get letters reminding us to get our annual exams and our tetanus shots every ten years, and reminders after that when they find out that we did not go get those exams when we were supposed too.

[6packofun]

I don't know what the heck that says. Sheesh. Talk about inefficient, eek!