This Sunday (3/21) marks the final showdown between President Obama and the opposition on Heathcare reform. Sadly, there are millions of Americans who have no idea of what Healthcare reform means to us and what it takes to get this proposal into the Oval Office and signed into law. Here's and overview and some of the major highlights:
*Total out-of-pocket expenses would be limited, and insurance companies would be prevented from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. Insurers would be barred from canceling coverage for sick people, as well as charging higher premiums based on a person's gender or medical history.
*Insurers would be required to provide coverage for non-dependent children up to age 26.
*The Medicare prescription drug "doughnut hole" would be closed by 2020. Under current law, Medicare stops covering drug costs after a plan and beneficiary have spent more than $2,830 on prescription drugs. It starts paying again after an individual's out-of-pocket expenses exceed $4,550.
*Individuals would be required to purchase coverage or face a fine of up to $695 or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is greater, starting in 2016. The plan includes a hardship exemption for poorer Americans.
*Illegal immigrants would not be allowed to buy health insurance in the health insurance exchanges.
The road to getting there:
*Republicans have vowed to do everything they can to kill the bill.
*Total Democratic "no" votes needed to kill the bill: 38
*Total Democratic "no" votes as of March 19, 2010: 28 (this is close)
*House Democrats who support the Senate health care bill need 216 "yes" votes to pass it. *Opponents of the bill need to secure 216 "no" votes to kill it.
Think about it, this is more than just any old proposal. This effects us all, our children, and our elderly. Pray that it passes.
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