Click here for a few laughs about the Republicans’ repeal efforts.
And here for a link to a blog about health care reform and the economy.
People have been attempting to ensure universal health care coverage for Americans for about a hundred years. Theodore Roosevelt ran on a platform of health care reform in 1912, but was defeated. Franklin Roosevelt wanted to achieve universal health care, but backed off when the AMA opposed his efforts. Harry Truman called for universal health care in 1949, but again there was strong opposition.
Richard Nixon’s attempt was, ironically, defeated by Ted Kennedy, who thought it did not go far enough. It was somewhat similar to the 2010 legislation, mandating employers to provide insurance and providing access on a sliding scale to a government plan for others. Clinton’s plan was defeated like all previous attempts.
Obama and the Democrats did succeed in getting legislation passed. But many health care reform advocates have concerns with the bill. Advocates for reform, including members of HCAO, were split right down the middle on whether the bill was worth fighting for.
Most of the legislation won’t take effect until 2014.
Took effect immediately:
– Small businesses get a tax credit to help them offer health insurance to their employees.
– People on Medicare get a $250 credit when they hit the prescription drug “donut hole.”
Now:
– Children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage.
– People up to age 26 can remain covered under their parent’s insurance.
– Insurance companies will no longer be able to drop people from their insurance coverage when they get sick.
– Insurance companies will no longer be allowed to put a cap on annual or lifetime benefits.
Click here for a message from Sen. Merkley on these new benefits.
For a less positive view from Jon Walker, click here.
From January 1, 2011
– Medicare must provide a free annual checkup.
– Insurance companies have to spend a percentage of premiums received on health care (rather than administration etc.)