A person who needed a doctor's care years ago would simply pay for the service, sometimes in trade.

Today's health system relies on third-party payment arrangements, and that's what Greg Scandlen would like to see changed as health-care reform moves forward.

Scandlen directs Consumers for Health Care Choices, a project of The Heartland Institute, a think tank based in Chicago. He spoke Wednesday to about 55 people during a Patients United Now rally at the Rogalski Center at St. Ambrose University, Davenport.

The event was the third in Iowa by the same organizations; they gathered earlier this week in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.

Scandlen, from Hagerstown, Md., believes that consumer-driven health choices developed over the last six years show great promise. They are, he added, currently being ignored by Congressional Democrats who are forming health-care reform legislation this summer.

These consumer-friendly devices include health insurance savings accounts and high deductibility/low premium insurance plans that come at a lower cost.

Chuck Oviatt, of Long Grove, Iowa, said he attended the event because his opinions have not been heard, and he's afraid health-care reform will pass, regardless of his views.

But Christopher Whitt of Rock Island didn't hear any new ideas at the event. "A lot of the information was recycled," he said.

Scandlen believes there will be a public backlash once the legislation is explained. He also senses a rising urgency among citizens.

"Folks are all of a sudden waking up to the dangers of what's being proposed in Washington, D.C.," Scandlen said. Congressional representatives are "not listening to the people," he added.