Health In The News
The Crystal Lady
Health In The News
| January Update
Health Reform by Joan Estelle High ©1-17-2010 |
| Well this year so far we have gone from a
ticking clock to more of a ticking bomb. At least some people are finding some aspects of the proposals being considered to be likely to do more a disaster than a blessing . Folks get a little worried when they start talking about 900 Billion dollar programs. Right now they are comparing the proposed Senate bill with the one from the House. The hope is to find the things that they agree on and iron out a compromise. Both sides want health coverage to be a mandatory that would fine individuals who don't have health coverage. They differ in how much they people will be fined if they don't participate. They will need to fine tune the employers mandate. There is some help for small business in the form of tax credits. Medicaid would be expanded for those under 65 depending on their percentage of federal poverty level. They are close in their ideas for help with premiums but have difference on the starting date for this help to kick in. In the matter of health exchanges the difference mainly is, if it will be state wide or nation wide. While the House would like a government run insurance program the Senate proposes a federally supervised privately run multistate plan. Both sides want benefits to be covered from 60 to 90 % medical bills or 65 percent to 95 depending on which version gets picked. Abortion is still a hot topic. Odds are the Catholic Bishops will have some influence in pressure to going with the House position. Personally I think that if any religious organizations that are going to spend their time and money in the political arena , should lose their tax exemptions. That would alone could raise a lot of money Looks like they are going to lessen the Donut hole problem starting with adding $500.00 more per person and hopefully giving a 50% discount on brand name prescriptions. Send any comments to: thecrystallady @ hotmail.com |