Health Care Reform Ten Facts

Now that health care reform is law I think it's important that we move past the political rhetoric and look at the real facts of what this reform means to the lives of average Americans.

#1 Extends Coverage To 32 Million More Americans

Because of this bill 32 million of our fellow Americans will have health insurance coverage. While our country still will be short of true universal coverage, we will be a lot closer to that goal(we should be up to 95% coverage because of it.)

#2 Reduces The Deficit By $1.3 Trillion

Over the next 10 years the deficit will be reduced by $130 billion because of this bill. That's very impressive and it should be something that anyone who is concerned about the deficit is excited about. The news is even better over the longer term as it will cut the deficit by $1.3 trillion over the next 20 years.

#3 Expands Medicare Coverage

Contrary to the lies spread over the last year this bill will actually expand Medicare coverage. It will close the "Donut Hole" and it will let those on Medicare visit the doctor without having to pay any co-pay at all.

#4 Extends Coverage To Young Adults

Young adults often fall through the cracks with the old system. This health care bill goes a long way towards fixing that problem by extending family health insurance coverage to young adults up through age 26.

#5 Denying Coverage Based On "Pre-Existing Conditions" Is Illegal

Prior to this bill it was perfectly legal for a health insurance company to deny coverage because of a "pre-existing condition." This meant, for example, that a newborn baby could be denied coverage because the baby was born with a heart condition. Because of this bill that will no longer be legal.

#6 The Biggest Tax Cut For Small Businesses In History

New tax credits to help small businesses pay for the health insurance of their employees (they will cover up to 50% of the cost) will save small business a huge amount of money on their taxes making this the biggest tax cut for small businesses in US history.

#7 Bans Health Insurance Companies From Dropping People Who Get Sick

What's the point of having health insurance if they can cut your coverage when you need it most? Thankfully because of this bill we no longer need to ask that question.

#8 Bans Lifetime Limits

Many people have gone bankrupt due to medical expenses because of health insurance companies having a "lifetime limit" on how much they would pay out. Again, what's the point of health insurance if it may not be there for you when you need it most? This bill bans these lifetime limits.

#9 Free Preventative Care

There will be no co-pays on preventative care with new private health insurance plans because of this bill. This should encourage people to visit the doctor more often which should help to prevent illnesses before they occur.

#10 New Limits On Health Insurance Company Profits

Because of this bill health insurance companies will be required to spend at least 85% of the premiums they collect on actual health coverage (rather than on profits, lobbying, and advertising.)