Rep. Larsen puts spotlight on health care, veterans

U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D, of Everett. The House of Representatives may have started summer recess, but for Congressman Rick Larsen, of Everett, it is no time to play.

Larsen, who was in Stanwood Friday, said he has a list of items he is working on throughout the summer.

Topping his list is health care reform.

"Health care reform has to happen," said Larsen. "The status quo is unacceptable."

According to government statistics, nearly 46 million Americans have no insurance, and an additional 25 million are underinsured.

Certain key changes are necessary to ensure that all Americans have some form of medical insurance, he said.

"Some of the changes I want to see would be to prohibit discrimination based on age or gender," Larsen said.

Larsen said another key provision is to prevent insurance companies from rescinding coverage that has already been paid.

According to Larsen, debate over a proposed bill, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, has polarized people along party lines and away from the issue at hand.

Larsen said he wants to hear from the people in District 2 and find out what they want out of the reforms.

"If you think the status quo is acceptable then tell me why or if you think it is unacceptable, then tell me why," said Larsen.

Larsen said he wanted to dispel some of the myths surrounding the 1,000-page health care reform bill.

First and foremost, that the plan does not mean the government will mandate where you go and whom you'll see for treatment, he said.

If you already have coverage that you like through an employer, you are not likely to see a change, said Larsen.

He said that he understands the confusing messages that have made their way into the public forum.

"It's not easy to explain," said Larsen. "The health care reform package in the House of Representatives is really looking at filling in the gaps of the uninsured."

Larsen had a tour of the Safe Harbor free clinic in Stanwood and he said it is an excellent example of how a community has reached out to help those affected by a broken health care system.

"It puts a face on an important issue Congress is talking about," he said. "In the end, there are problems with the health care system that need to get fixed — problems having to do with access and costs."

Veteran health care issues are a growing concern in Washington state, said Larsen.

With the opening of a new Veterans Administration outpatient clinic in Mount Vernon, local qualifying military veterans have more access to medical services, he said.

"They currently have 2,400 enrolled vets," said Larsen. "We know the demand is here."

Among the ranks of those needing assistance, homeless and unemployed veterans need to be connected to available resources, he said.

"I think that word needs to get out to more post-Vietnam era vets that there are services available to them," said Larsen.

Snohomish County recently received 35 vouchers aimed at providing homeless vets with a place to live.

Larsen said he and other legislators are also working to improve veteran educational benefits.

A revised G.I. Bill, that provides educational opportunities to serve people, will expand benefits, he said.

"It will be transferable to dependants," said Larsen.

Larsen is also trying to get the word out about the outlook for the economy.

"It's the issue that never goes away," he said.

Although we are still in the midst of the "great recession," Larsen said there have been signs of some recovery.

Larsen pointed to resurgence in home sales and a drop in the national unemployment rate as signs of light at the end of the tunnel.

"The recovery won't be real to people until those who've lost their jobs get their jobs back," said Larsen.

Larsen said criticism of the president's recovery package is misplaced.

"It was not supposed to single-handedly stop the recession," he said.

Locally, federal recovery funds have provided new jobs and helped save some on the verge of being cut, said Larsen.

"The Stanwood-Camano School District received $2.2 million in recovery funding," he said. "Without the stimulus money, job losses would have been higher."

Ultimately, Larsen said people have to make their voices heard on the issues that affect them.

"Write letters to the editor, call or email my office," said Larsen. "Tell me what isn't working and why you feel it isn't working."

For more information, visit www.house.gov/larsen.