By JANICE R. KIASKI - Herald-Star community editor , The Herald-Star

STEUBENVILLE - They came with questions and got some answers as the GFWC/OFWC Woman's Club of Steubenville facilitated a community dialogue Monday afternoon about the implications of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare.

The informational Obama Health Care Forum attracted about 300 Tri-State Area residents to Eastern Gateway Community College where Donna Keagler served as moderator and event committee member along with club President Kathy Mills, Marge Bedortha, Judy Brancazio, Eileen Krupinski and Shirley Valuska.

"We really want to thank you very, very much for your interest, your attendance and your active participation," Keagler said in opening remarks echoed by Mills.

MAKING A POINT Kathy Magushak, right, certified insurance counselor with McBane Insurance, makes a point during Mondays forum on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The event organized by the GFWC/OFWC Womans Club of Steubenville was held at Eastern Gateway Community College and included the participation of numerous panel members with expertise in varied areas. With Magushak are, from left, Donna Keagler, moderator; Kathy Mills, club president; and Al Macre, certified public accountant. - Janice Kiaski

"It is with a great deal of pleasure that the woman's club is able to bring this program to you today," Keagler said. "The panel you see in front of you has worked very, very hard to try to bring the leaders in our government to Steubenville to give you some insight as to what's going on with the law," she said.

"Much of that bill has already been implemented - you just haven't seen it yet - and what we're hopeful of doing today is being able to bring to you the most up-to-date, accurate, honest information that we can," Keagler said. "This is not a debate. There's nothing we can do about it at this point. It's been passed. The best we can do is understand it."

The more than two-hour forum began with an introduction of the panelists who explained their area of expertise and their interest in participating, all in an effort, Keagler said, to arm forum attendees with "good information."

Sarah E. Poulton was the featured speaker who gave a PowerPoint presentation about some of the basics of the mandate. Poulton works out of the Salem office of U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta, as director of constituent services, specializing in health care, Medicare and Social Security issues.

"I have been working closely with this law for about two-and-a-half years, but like a lot of people I would not call myself an expert. I am learning every single day like everyone else," Poulton said.

Here is the original post:

Health care questions answered during forum