Reforming America

I am so happy that the Healthcare Reform passed!!!! The President is expected to sign the bill into law tomorrow! This reform is exactly what American needs. Approximately 32 millions will now get the healthcare coverage and benefits that they need and deserve. What I am most happy about is that as soon as this bill is signed tomorrow, insurance companies can no longer place lifetime caps on policies, or drop a patients insurance if he or she gets sick.

And going into effect this year, insurance companies will be barred from denying coverage to children because of pre-existing conditions. Taking place in 2014, insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage to adult patients with pre-existing medical conditions or charging them more because of these conditions.

Also effective this year, insurance companies will now be required to cover preventive services such as, health screenings and vaccines that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here's some wonderful news for college age kids and young adults, parents are now able to keep their kids on their insurance plan until the child(ren) turn 26.

Older Americans on Medicare who hit the cap on their Medicare prescription drug benefits will be given a rebate. Once they spend $2,830, they will receive a $250 rebate. In 2011, older Americans who go past the allotted amount will be given a 50% discount on prescription drugs. This aims to close the doughnut hole in Medicare prescription coverage completely by the year 2020.

The bill also holds employers acoountable for providing insurance to their employees. Approximately 60% of Americans get health insurance through their employers. If those Americans make less than $250,000 a year, then they are unlikely to see any major changes in copays or premiums. The healthcare bill's aim here is to make sure that employers are offering their employees insurance. Small businesses will receive a tax cut so they can offer coverage to their employees.

Employers that don't offer insurance will be penalized. Every business should have insurance for their employees. It's the responsible and right thing to do. People are human beings, not mules made to work without peace of mind for them or their families.

This legislation is going to change the entire landscape of how insurance companies and businesses operate for the better, and I can't wait to see what other great improvements President Obama will bring about during his term. :)

Sincerely,
Gabrielle S. Robinson