WATTS : Meeting Focuses on Health Care Reform

Care for illegal immigrants, insurance redlining and improved access to health care, were among the issues raised by residents and health care providers during a community meeting with state Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi.

During the two-hour meeting Wednesday at the Watts Health Foundation, Garamendi fielded questions from about 75 people and campaigned on behalf of President Clinton’s proposed health care plan.

“What we’re trying to do is bring the debate to the communities,” said Garamendi, who has visited 24 communities over the last several months. “The whole reason for this is so I can talk about the health care proposal and at the same time hear concerns.”

Among those who addressed the commissioner was Raymond Baily, a retired postal worker who heads the Clovis Avenue block group. “I came out here to find out what happens to someone like me who is in the lowest bracket of the health plan,” Baily said. “I just want to know if I’ll be able to get a doctor.”

Others like Ava Chavez, who holds two part-time jobs, worried that she would not be fully covered. “I work part time in two places. I just want to know if there is anything you can do for me,” she said.

“You would be covered,” Garamendi told her.

Although the commissioner emphasized that everyone is covered except illegal immigrants, several people raised questions about care for those whose residency is in question.

Lorraine Estrados, executive director of the Arroyo Vista Family Health Center, said the plan must provide care regardless of residence status in order to be universal health care.

Homeless advocate Ted Hayes was among those who wanted to know how the current health care debate would address community problems.

“The needs of the people on the ground in South-Central have never been met,” said Hayes, a proponent of using military doctors to address the shortage of health care providers in low-income areas. “There are some basic issues, such as food for the hungry, that need to be addressed.”

Coverage for illegal immigrants won’t wash politically, said Garamendi, who added that the plan already faces a tough fight in Congress.

The meeting included a brief panel discussion headed by Clyde Oden, who heads the Watts Health Foundation.

Oden endorsed the health care plan, calling it the “best shot we have to change things,” but warned the debate must include representatives of low-income areas.

“This is something that directly affects our communities. But we need to be careful that . . . the people who are debating the issues are not just those who have full stomachs but those who don’t have enough to eat.

“What’s significant is we’re talking about change and we’ve never had a state or city official come to this community and listen.”