Health care reform passed
The Health Care Controversy Continues
You’d think on such a historical day there’d be dancing in the streets. Instead, there’s bickering and a lawsuit.
The ink on President Obama’s newly passed health care legislation was barely dry when 13 state attorney generals joined together to block the new law on the grounds it violates the Constitution. Lawyers have already been hired to defend the lawsuit filed by Florida’s Attorney General Bill McCollum.
New law promises huge change
What’s been known for so long as “health care reform” finally has a new name: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Signed into law on March 23, 2010, the final piece of landmark legislation was signed two days later on March 25th.
Together these two pieces of legislation will dramatically change the way American citizens purchase health insurance, utilize it and maintain it. Once Obama took control of the White House, he made health care reform one of his top agenda items. Now two years later it looks like reform is on the way. Unfortunately, what should be hailed as a victory for all Americans is causing deep division.
And the division isn’t only between Democratic and Republican politicians. Average citizens, small business owners and plenty of others are voicing strong opinions over the way the new health care legislation was passed and what it means for the future.
Perhaps the biggest point of contention is what’s still unknown. No one really knows how or if this reform will change lives. No one knows how much it will cost to do everything the bill promises or where the money will come from. No one knows how many businesses will be forced to shutter their doors because of the increased costs of insuring employees.
Here are the few things most of us know
Beginning in 2010:
• A high-risk pool will be available for adults with pre-existing conditions to join on a temporary basis, until the Health Care Exchange is developed (2014).
• Dependent children can remain on their parent’s health insurance until they reach age 26.
• Rebates will be given to those subjected to the Medicare Part D Coverage gap.
• Better ways to detect fraud will begin being implemented.
Beginning in 2014:
• Individuals with pre-existing conditions cannot be charged higher rates or be denied coverage by health insurers.
• Fees will be imposed on small businesses with over 50 employees that do not provide health insurance.
• Tax credits will be given to small businesses with fewer than 25 employees that do provide health insurance.
• Insurers can no longer establish annual spending caps.
• Cuts to Medicare Advantage will help fund new spending.
Beginning in 2017:
• States can apply to have certain sections of the new law waived provided certain conditions are met.
Beginning in 2018:
All health plans in effect must cover preventative care and check-ups 100% (no co-payment required).
Tough road ahead
Anyone listening to the news also knows we’re in for a long legal and political battle. Republicans have vowed to unseat any Democrat running for reelection in 2010. Democrats are banking on Americans’ short memories and believe by November most who currently oppose The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will have forgotten about the controversy and be ready for change.
It’ll be interesting to see which side turns out right.
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