Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) held a discussion Wednesday about what the Affordable Health Care Act means to patients and hospitals.
The health care act, also known as Obamacare, is a complex law and Congressman Johnson wanted to make sure patients understand how it works.
Johnson, along with Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX), held the discussion at the Boardman Campus of St. Elizabeth Health Center.
Burgess is a doctor. He spoke about the complexities facing medical providers and patients.
Johnson spoke out against the medical device tax, which he feels will force companies to take their business overseas.
"There are a lot of folks that are concerned about where it's going, said Johnson. "The introduction of the IPAB (Independent Payment Advisory) board, 15 un-elected bureaucrats in Washington that are now going to get between doctors and patients in making health care decisions."
One registered nurse in the crowd asked the Congressmen about the role preventative care played in the overall health care law.
"The general response I got is that it doesn't chew well with the people in the office, they just want treatable causes, in and out because of the old fashion DRG (Diagnosis Related Group) and prevention isn't high on the scale of preference," said Registered Nurse Donna Bricker.
Johnson said he plans to hold more meetings in his district as he continues to fight for a health care system that encourages providers, while supporting patients.
