They’ll take reform, seniors at free health fair say

Helen Kiros, 75, is standing in the eye of the health care debate storm.

She's a senior citizen but doesn't qualify for Medicare, the government-sponsored program that provides health insurance coverage to citizens 65 and older.

Canadian-born, Kiros has lived in the United States for 22 years and is an American citizen, she said.

But when she applied for Medicare, she was told she didn't qualify.

"They said it's because I never worked here," she said. "So all I've got is my husband's pension from Canada."

Kiros doesn't know what will happen with health care reform in the United States but hopes people in her situation will be helped.

Otherwise, the costs might be too much.

"A doctor costs $60 just to visit," she said. "I'll take anything I can get for free."

Her search for freebies was why she drove 20 miles to Fiesta Henderson to stand in line for a Wellness Event Concept-sponsored health fair, which offered free tests for cholesterol, blood pressure, eye problems, bone density and more Wednesday.

But a health fair is no replacement for health care, which is why Kiros has only one message for President Barack Obama and Congress: "Just do something."

That was the standard response from those waiting in line at the health fair. They didn't offer many specific suggestions, but they knew they didn't want the status quo.

Sandra Jean, 57, from Henderson said she has health insurance. Still, she said she would support national health care for people like her son, who doesn't have health insurance.

"I'm willing to accept changes for the greater good," Jean said. "Something needs to be done about (health reform)."

Jean said she would support national health care funded through a sales tax instead of a homeowners tax, which is unfair to those who own homes.

"People say homeowners should pay more because they own a home and can afford it. Well, they gave up things to get that home," she said.

Rekha Shahtoner of Las Vegas said she understands that health care reform is a volatile issue, having seen reports of protests throughout the country.

But it doesn't have to be a win-loss situation, she said.

"I think the protesters can be satisfied if we modify (the legislation)," she said, noting she has her own ideas she plans to send to Obama's offices.

Shahtoner said that if Americans don't act in 2009, they will become a helpless nation.

"America is the most technologically grown nation in the world," she said, adding that it will be "a sordid state of affairs" if Congress doesn't act on the health reform bill this year.

Kiros said she had surgery four years ago. When she got the hospital bill, it was for $52,000.

She was able to negotiate a fee of $15,000, which her son paid, she said.

She couldn't go back to Canada for the surgery because she gave up her Canadian citizenship.

"Canada is too cold, anyway," she said. "I like this country better. Besides the health care."

Contact reporter Mike Blasky at mblasky@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0283.