Obama’s concern comes from the fact that over 45 million Americans are currently uninsured, a number that includes more than 8 million children. Combine that with ever-increasing health care costs that put more people in danger of losing coverage, and the Obama-Biden plan was developed. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that those with health care coverage will see their costs reduced by as much as $2,500 annually, and those without will have health insurance options made available to them.
Many people do not have coverage because of pre-existing conditions or other reasons that companies can deny coverage. By making sure that insurers cannot discriminate based on pre-existing conditions, every American will be eligible for health insurance plans.
Most, however, do not have coverage because of the cost. To solve that problem, a National Health Insurance Exchange would be established to allow that there are plans available for everyone through private companies with an easy enrollment process and comprehensive benefits likened to those available to members of Congress. In addition, some families unable to afford the costs will receive a Small Business Health Tax Credit or be eligible in an expanded Medicaid or SCHIP program.
Some of the requirements included in the plan will be that all children have health care coverage, so numerous options will be available to parents to ensure that can happen. And all large employers will be required to contribute to the cost of their employees’ plans or toward the cost of a public plan.
Lastly, the proposal of the Obama campaign includes many reforms for the health care system, including newer technology be implemented, more prevention and chronic disease management services be made available, and ensuring that health insurance is affordable for businesses and their employees by increasing competition among insurers.
Further details of the Obama plan include:
- Allowing the importation of safe drugs from developed countries and using generic drugs in public programs would reduce prescription costs.
- Hospitals would be required to report and monitor data.
- Anticompetitive activity that drives up prices without improving quality would be targeted, thus improving competition in the insurance market.
- Businesses would cover a portion of catastrophic health costs for employees in return for paying lower premiums.
- Doctors would not be overcharged by insurers for malpractice insurance, and more money would be invested in reducing preventable medical errors.
- More employers should offer clinical preventative services, such as flu vaccinations and exercise facilities.
- Schools would play a bigger role in reducing childhood obesity by providing healthier environments and greater health education.
- Programs for nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation incorporated into health plans like Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP. Community-based programs will also be encouraged with more funding and better marketing programs.
- Prevention services will be required for all members of the general public, including cancer screenings and preparedness for natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
- Funding for the programs included in the health care plan will be found by rolling back the Bush tax cuts for those earning more than $250,000 per year and by keeping the estate tax at the 2009 level.
Obama has also included in his health care platform two specific issues that he deemed worthy of special attention: cancer and global HIV/AIDS. Through clinical trials, enhanced research and treatment, promoted awareness, more access to prevention programs, and a sincere commitment to the causes, the numbers of people suffering from cancer and HIV/AIDS can be reduced.
Further details of Senator Obama’s health care plan for America can be found on his campaign website at www.barackobama.com.
The presidential election will be held across the United States on November 4, 2008. Every vote matters.
No comments:
Post a Comment