Healthcare Reform
President Barack Obama signed healthcare reform into law on March 23, 2010, signifying a historic victory for Democrats, who had been working to pass such legislation for decades. Supporters have characterized the law as expanding availability and affordability for healthcare. Critics, who dubbed it “Obamacare,” call it a dangerous expansion of government power. By the end of 2010, insurance companies will be prohibited from rejecting children with pre-existing conditions, new insurance plans will be required to cover certain preventive care services, including cancer and diabetes screenings, and young adults will be able to stay on a parent’s insurance plan until they turn 26. The law also creates an external review process for consumers to appeal insurance company decisions and invests $15 billion in public health programs. By 2014, denying coverage to anyone with a pre-existing condition will be prohibited, and individuals and businesses employing more than 50 people will have to purchase health insurance or face fines. Responding to the law, 20 states filed a multi-state lawsuit in Florida while Virginia filed its own suit, both questioning the constitutionality of forcing Americans to buy insurance. In early August 2010, a federal judge refused the Justice Department’s request that Virginia’s suit be thrown out. Many Republicans, led by Minority Leader John Boehner, pledged to repeal the law. Republicans and Tea Party activists, calling it a government takeover of healthcare, swore to make healthcare a major issue in the November 2010 midterm elections. An August CNN poll showed 83 percent of Americans say healthcare reform is still “extremely” or “very” important in their decision on who to vote for in Congress.
The latest news on Healthcare Reform
When preparing retirement plans, make sure you understand your total exposure to health expenses.
Officials promise an Oct. 1 launch for health insurance exchanges, but wait to educate consumers.
Government data released Wednesday shows some hospitals charge 2,700 percent more for treatment than others.
Consumers will need to learn a lot to take advantage of new health insurance coverage options and subsidies.
As employers learn complex new rules, they face an enormous employee communications challenge.
Republicans continue to unsuccessfully push for repeal of unpopular measure.
We don't know if the Affordable Care Act will cure all the ills in our health care system, but it is better than more inaction.
Businessman David Goldhill examines where American healthcare dollars should really be spent.
Know what’s eligible for reimbursement before developing a spending plan.
Major provisions will require extensive new rules soon to have any chance of meeting 2013 and 2014 deadlines.
