I suffer no illusions that this will be an easy process. It will be hard. But I also know that nearly a century after Teddy Roosevelt first called for reform, the cost of our health care has weighed down our economy and the conscience of our nation long enough. So let there be no doubt: health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait, and it will not wait another year
– President Barack Obama, February 24, 2009
The President’s Plan:
- Those who have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, or the Veteran’s Administration will not lose their insurance and will not be forced to change current coverage the doctor.
- Those who lose or change a job will be able to get coverage through the creation of a new insurance exchange, a marketplace where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for health insurance at competitive prices.
- Individuals who still cannot afford coverage will get tax credits based upon need.
- Everyone will be required to carry basic health insurance -- just as most states require auto insurance. This “public option” is not expected to be chosen by more than 5 percent of people according to Congressional Budget Office estimates.
- Businesses will be required to either offer workers health care or chip in to help cover the cost of their workers. No reforms apply to those who are in the U.S. illegally.
Insurance companies:
- Will be prohibited from refusing anyone coverage for preexisting conditions.
- Will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of pocket expenses.
- Must fully cover, without charge, regular check-ups and tests.
- Will be prohibiting from watering down coverage for the seriously ill.
- Will be prohibited from charging anyone more because of their gender.
- Will be prevented from placing lifetime caps on coverage.
- Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays the premium in full. They won’t be allowed to refuse renewal because someone becomes sick.
Change federal laws to help families keep their health insurance regardless of a change or loss of a job, and encourages new and existing local programs to ensure all Americans have access to affordable health care.
- Give states the tools to design innovative programs that make health care coverage more affordable for everyone.
- Let small businesses band together to purchase high-quality health care for their employees at a more affordable price, just as large corporations and unions do.
- Make it easier for Americans to find a health plan that fits their needs by using easy to understand health-plan finders for those Americans working in jobs that don’t offer health benefits.
- Focus on prevention and wellness programs to help avoid serious – and costly – illnesses.
- Rein in junk lawsuits that make health care more expensive for everyone.
- Improve Medicare and Medicaid by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse that costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year.
- Continue to encourage the development of advances in treatment that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Find out more at
www.whitehouse.gov/issues/health_care/
and
http://healthcare.gopleader.gov
.
Children will continue to be eligible for family coverage up to age 26. The House Republican Health Care Plan:
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