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LIVE Blog: Landmark health care bill heads to Obama's desk
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[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/22/health.care.congress.art.gi.jpg caption="House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a night news conference on health care reform on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 22, 2010."]
(CNN) - A sweeping bill overhauling the U.S. medical system goes to President Obama's desk on Monday to be signed into law.
The House of Representatives passed the measure late Sunday, delivering a historic victory to Obama, who had made it his No. 1 domestic priority.
The bill passed in a 219-212 vote after more than a year of bitter partisan debate. All 178 Republicans opposed it, along with 34 Democrats.
The measure, which cleared the Senate in December, constitutes the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees since Medicare and Medicaid were enacted more than four decades ago. FULL STORY
Sound off: How do you think this reform will impact you? Share your stories with us. Join the LIVE blog below and chat with us during the show.
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I have been blessed with good health care coverage. I have grandchildren who are not so blessed. This will be a good thing for them. The Republicians have always been against anything that helps the less fortunate. Why they have any supporters is beyond me. I hope they get the shock of their lives come November. Scott was elected because he was the new guy in town. If Health Care had failed, the Democrats would have indeed lost in November. We are tired of a Congress who couldn't seem to get anything done. A major accomplishment will do a lot to to improve our opinion of Congress. My thought was, if you can't get it done with a majority, how will you ever get Health Care Reform?
For those who stated this was a communist bill probably do not know what communism is. Many stated that universal healthcare has failed everywhere. What about Canada? They not only have universal health care but many Americans buy prescriptions across the border and I have seen firsthand that their care is probably superior to that of the US.
Yes like many Americans I am tired of the lies. The process to pass this bill was nauseating. I was a fiscal conservative. But the way the Republican Party has acted has been an embarrassment to our Nation. From Wilson, to saying Baby Killer to Stupak, to all the portrayals of Pelosi, old reference to Hilary Clinton, spitting on congressmen and the homophobic reference to Frank has causes a true belief the Republican Party will resort to lies and dirty politics. Why not tell the truth? Debate is healthy, but it must be done with facts and not provoke fears to mislead the public. Bottom line they probably had a vested interest in the insurance profits or fearful that the Tea Party movement will take control of their party or worried about the boogie man will get them. There was nothing fearful about this bill. Why did they act like this was the end of the world?
As a small business owner in Georgia I too am concerned for my employees, the future of our company and ultimately my family We currently provide some coverage to our 32 employees, it is not great but it is all we can afford. (yes I have the same coverage as my employees) Under this new law, to afford the mandated coverage, I will be forced to eliminate 8-10 of our staff which will render us unable to meet the demands of our client contracts. This will likely be the end of our business which has been operating for more than 30 years. I am terrified. Watching the house vote on CNN last night I feel like I witnessed the death of our nation.
Thank goodness the debate is over. Your job now is to dispell myths about health care and educate the public about what and who is covered by health care and when.
Please don't allow the naysayers to spout untruths about the bill without calling them on it. That means you need to very well informed but I know you are up to it.
Hope and change are in the air. God bless America.
Kiran, You have to be carefull with screening viewer comments. You quoted a small business person who said the healthcare bill will add $157,000 in costs for his 20 employees and that his/her income was only $20,000 last year. There is no way someone operate a small business to only take home $20,000. I am small business owner myself. What is missing is what kind of salary this owner is paying himself/herself. I have seen people pay themselves salaries of $500,000 or more. The $20,000 profit is after such a salary. If this person is married, his/her spouse is also probably drawing a healthy salary. With 20 employees, income should be very significant.
I am 24 years old. I did everything "right", graduated from college in 4 years, immediately landed a job in finance and got laid off a year ago therefore finding myself without health insurance. I never thought so many bills from Washington would effect my life directly+ unemployment extensions and now this!
Now my only question is how soon can I sign up on my parents' heath insurance?!
The government is hurting the US economy. Now that reform has passed how are we as American's going to afford it. The government wants us to spend spend spend and we can't just spend our way out of the recession. They want us to buy houses and cars and we as American's can't afford it. My husband and I both just recently lost our jobs and we can't afford to pay for health care what are you going to do find us! How is that even legal. Obama is running this contry to the ground and it is a shame because I am a proud American. Now I feel like I am ashamed of this country for letting a bill like this pass. WE do need health care reform but not by hurting AMERICAN'S WHO CAN'T AFFORD IT!
the sky won't fall, for those unable to afford ins. they will be helped, 16 million more is going to be on medicaid eventually. and you will also pay on a sliding scale in the exchanges. This is almost how THE CHIP PROGRAM works for children. its been a good program in PA, this will take time and changes. it will BE better for americans. . Jane
Not all doctors, insurance and pharmaceutical professionals are bad, but many of their counterparts have created negative images as thieves and profiterring corporate executives. For example, I travel often internationally and can't understand why one can purchase brand name pharmaceuticals in Saudi Arabia for ten cents on the dollar (many cases) compared to the exact same prescription in the US where the drugs are made. These health care changes are a result of inconsistent, even questionable lobbyist activities to protect special interests of these corporate giants in insurance and pharmaceuticals. Arguably, we have the best health care in the world already, but I for one am tired of funding not only our own system which is broken, but the rest of the world as well, since foreign countries can receive prescriptions at much lower costs because I have to pay a premium for living in the US.
$250 dollars a year will not do anything for my father who is 93 with Alheimer's. His medication cost twice this much in one month. What a farce.
Health care has been ok to me but now i can get better coverage for myself and my family. now i will not go bankrupt or get droped from coverage due my past illness.
I am a Veteran and a single parent. I use the VA hospital for treatment, however employers wouldn't let me buy health insurance for my children unless I am on the insurance policy. When I turned to the state insurance to get insurance for my kids, they tell me I make too much money. When I contact blue cross they tell me that when I buy insurance from them, my children cannot get treatment for any regular disease they may have for 6 months unless it is an emergency. I am glad that something is being done to stop this madness.
Due to my past experiences I do not trust the medical profession and have not been to a doctor in well over ten years. The doctors I have encountered have been, without exception, over paid and incompetent. I resent being forced to buy insurance that I won't use, just so someone else will get health care at reduced cost. It is an unfair tax on the healthy like me and does nothing to address the problem of over paid doctors and hospitals.
I am a 50 yr, old man who has never had health insurance, nor want it. I believe in the old fashioned notion of paying for what you get.
When I go to the doctor I pay for it..
If your using 5000$ in health care services per year, and only paying 3000$ in insurance premiums, your ripping the rest of the people off. Unfortunately this is what most people want...
Take responsibility for your own life, if people had to pay, they would be healthier......
There is no way the Government can force me to buy healthcare, I will start working for cash and then not pay any taxes at all...... Is this what they want.............
with the cluttered mess we have found ourselves in thanks, in no small part to a lack of regulation, I've feel like this country has been stuck in a door jam ala three stooges. This bill promises the potential of one decisive step forward, pulling one thing out of the clog and hopefully bringing everything else tumbling to the floor.
There will be a mess, and no shortage of "chowderhead's" and "wiseguys" a long the way, but the doorway will clear up, and the Neoconservative instillation's trickle down mess can actually start to be sorted to what is best for all of America, rather than just the loudest and quote unquote "true american's" who id like to line up shoulder to shoulder and slap them all at once.
things are on the way up, fingers cross
The two un informed that spoke with John obviously did not watch the debate. All of Congress in the next few years would be rquired to use the new exchanges, just like us. The other guy who was on Social Security didn't take the time to inform himself about the subsidies that small busines would receive for providing healthcare to his employees. Please talk to people who have knowledge, not as the guy said. " I HEARD IT ON THE RADIO". from John in Atlanta.
yes I am a vetran what will this mean to me, I hope I will not have to pay
Big Government was the wrong answer to the health care delima. I am concerned. November will determine American's voice. I am shocked at last night's vote. When has Big Government solved the average person's problems? Beauracracy is not the answer.
I am all for Heath care, my job doesn't supply us with health care, but I do pay taxes, and if they did take out for health care I wouldn't be able to afford it, I would be working just to pay for my health care, and unable to pay my mortgage or eat, I'm getting older and my health is declining, I had to go to emergencey because of servere stomach pain, I still have stomach pain, and a 10.000 hospital bill.
Now I have to figure out how I'm going to pay that bill.
this a very good day ....it is about time i have ins though work but i do spend some 146 a week just for it and it has gone up 30 dollor a week
i would have liked to see the pub opions
With the mandate in the health care bill that everyone must purchase health insurance...Do you know the answer to this question?
If a husband is covered by his wife's work's insurance coverage, does this mean that he must purchase individual coverage now in addition to his wife's family coverage?
I hope this is not the case. I would assume that the majority of married couples would be impacted if this is the case.
All morning your show has been talking about what this helath care bill will do. No one is talking about how it pays for helathcare going forward especially after 2016. $80 billion is to be taken from the Social Security Trust Fund to help pay. Nancy Pelosi said this healthcare bill joins other great bills like Social Security and Medicare. Someone needs to remind her that neither of those programs is on solid financial ground. And if it is so good, why are we waiting till 2014 for the major pieces to begin serving the American public?
I am thrilled this bill passed, its not for me, its for others with no means of medical care, I have had family members suffer horrifically because of it, my niece died in Jan, she was 43, lost everything due to a disease and ended up losing her job, home, ins, car and money., my nieces husb. lost a job of 19yr, could not afford his diabetic insulin, had a stroke and is now unable to take care of himself. My son broke his foot in 3 places abt 4 yrs ago, no ins. it did not heal right, and now has damaged his knee and is being told he may need surgery or this can go into his hips, he has limped for 4 yrs now. because of no money or ins to fix that broken foot. ER refers you to specialists and if you can't afford them you don't go, he was refused country medical care. Many are like this. Jane
I have been without health care for over a year since my husband got laid off. I am self employed and no insurance would touch me because I have smoldering multiple myeloma- a cancer of the plasma cells in my blood and bone marrow..
Now since this health care bill has passed-I can get coverage but how much will it cost me? 3k a month? Also, do I have to wait until 2014? I am confused.
If I have to pay an outrageous amount of money for insurance, is it really a victory?
thank you
I love how the Dems keep touting that this will cover 32 million Americans who are currently not covered by *requiring* us to get health insurance. There's a reason we don't have health insurance now – we're poor.
How do the dems expect me to magically come up with the hundreds of dollars-a-month health care insurance costs? So I won't be able to get the *required* insurance...will that make me a criminal commiting a federal offense? Will all 32 million of us poor be tossed in prison? Thanks a lot President Obama. I hope you rot in Hell.
I am very happy that this reform has passed. It will provide my granddaughter with guaranteed health-care as she reaches adulthood. She along with thousands of children have juvenile diabetes. This means at an early age they were determined as uninsurable when they reached adulthood. They would need to be a part of a group, or insured by a spouse. This legislation allows all children to be what they want to be without worrying about their healthcare. These children along with all others who are now eligible for insurance deserve this right. Thank you to all who voted for this legislation.
Republican or democrat it doesn't matter. What matters is we are one step closer to socialism. With the passage of this bill, our country will find it easier to mandate universal healthcare. In the meantime, we are forced to have coverage regardless of our choice to have it. Sounds a bit like communist concept: do what we say, we don't care if it hurts you.
Mandated, penalty ridden health care is WRONG, ill thought and nonsensical. Also, because of this, businesses will sub contract employees or work them less than 32 hours to avoid health care mandates that could force them to shut the doors.
I wonder how many of our representatives have owned small businesses or even looked at the cost this will have on actual small businesses. Another example of Washington being OUT OF TOUCH WITH AMERICA.
P.S.- I agree this will help those who have serious conditions or have been denied health care, but mandated insurance is wrong.
This change means that, as a cancer survivor, I will be permitted to buy private health insurance, something that I haven't been able to do where I live.
My friends and I are happy! We come from low-income homes and neither our families, nor us as students, can afford insurance. Needless to say, we will be having an Insurance Party!
Why would we pass this bill when so many people just lost their jobs and people had gotten pay cuts? Why make it more difficult in this country's "recession"?
Although not against health care reform in principle, I am very disappointed in this bill. Too much at one time. Too much cost. Too many unknowns. Can our representatives in Washington truly clain to know and understand the entirety of what is in this bill and what it wuill do? No.
What can the common person do? Nothing. It is very disheartening. I am deeply disappointed in our government and wonder if it really is both "for" and "by" the people.
I believe that the passage of the health care bill will be a benefit for the overall health of The United States Of America. I am just left wondering how many people who have access to health care only through the emergency room are among the opponents of health care reform?
"If not now, when? If not us, who?" – Pres Obama.
Those words really resonated with me, considering healthcare has been debated for decades! DECADES!! And this particular reform for over a year solid! The GOP had 8 years to enact change in tiny increments, and they did nothing.
The time is now!!
Know how this impacts me? Now instead of working my fingers to the bone all year to support lazy Americans and immigrants that don't wanna work by working for them a welfare check I now get to pay for their insurance by working while they live off the government! So glad my premium goes up for these people! Don't know who the prez paid off but this country is doomed
I am a 26 year old healthy, small-business owner who has been repeatedly denied coverage for over 2 years from all of the major health insurance companies for a non-threatening condition I was born with. This bill is not just about health care – it's a human rights issue. It's about time that the health insurance companies are held accountable for their irrational coverage decisions. A true victory in American history!
This bill will make it possible for my wife and I to leave the safety of our corporate jobs to start the businesses we have always dreamed of starting. Due to cancer, my wife would not otherwise be able to leave that safety net.
The bill helps dismantle a major barrier for entrepreneurs nationwide who struggle with the difficult decision to take that leap of faith and start a new business.
After serving in the military, I was under the impression me and my family would receive much needed healthcare. After years of denial for preexisting conditions, we have finally receive our pay.
I find it interesting that health care reform is now law, and we don't know how it will affect us. Doesn't that seem backward to you?
How will this Health Care Bill effect retired veterans with Tricare insurance?
I don't see this Health Care Reform as a fix for any senior. Right now physicians are turning away Medicare and Medicaid patients. Doesn't matter that you have coverage. The reduction in these programs will further cause physicians to turn away more patients, so it is back to emergency care if you want any care.
I grew up without health care, and even though I'm now employed and have coverage, my parents are still woefully under-insured. This bill isn't perfect and doesn't have everything that I would like (such as a public option), but it is a start. I am disgusted by the fear-mongering and complete misinformation that I have seen from the Republicans. They might earn some political points this November, but in the long run we will see that they were on the wrong side of history.
yes I am vetran what will this mean to me I hope I will not have to pay
It is unfortunate that at a time when there are small sparks of hope in our economy that employers like me will be afraid to add full time jobs for fear that we will not be able to afford the insurance when all parts of the bill come on line.
National Healthcare
Does that mean that my adult children, who are struggling to make ends meet, will have the same health care as the lawmakers who passed this Bill? If not, why not?
FINALLY! This bill will save the lives and incomes of MILLIONS of Americans. The Republican epidemic of stupidity and ignorance is finally nearing an end and compassion is taking precedence over the "bottom line".
What is the minimum # of employees needed before businesses are required to buy insurance for employees. The bill says "large" business. What is the definition of "large"?
Forcing people to be financially responsible is not unconstitutional. Think of the challenges to mandatory car insurance which were shot down. It's not uninsured people whose rights are trampled when they become ill or injured and everyone else in the system ends up paying for their care. And what is the deal with the small business owners on cnn this morning complaining about how the fines will hurt them? They both said they had between 18-25 employees- not fifty. And even with the fines for small business of 50 or more employees, the first 30 are waived.
Last year the Republicans voted not to even discuss health reform,now they wonder what happen to bi-partism, so it was join us or get the hell out of the way.
It was always perplexing to me that anyone should file bankruptcy due to illness when there was always a system that could help, but because of red tape refused to offer care. Good for congress for joining the consciousness revolution.
happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, this sounds great now wait until the government or the insurance starts deciding who gets treatment and who doesn't, which in turn will be who lives or dies. What about ppl that have get cancer and have to take a number and wait for their number to be called to start or get treatment, there is no time to wait with some health issues, God help us! It's just the beginning of socialism at its best. If it's such a great thing why doesn't the President and everyone in office at Washington not have to have the same healthcare as the common folk? If ppl can't pay for health insurance how on earth are they going to be able to pay a fine for not having it? Time to wake up ppl!
As a small business owner I am so relieved this morning that the Health Care bill passed. Not perfect but addresses some of my greatest fears - that I will have to tell an employee that I can provide insurance (or have to pass on huge cost) because they got sick and the insurance company boosted the premium past what we can pay.
Also, I am really tired of the mantra that lawmakers "didn't listen to the people." THEY LISTENED TO ME!! It is the American way to do the right thing EVEN FOR THE MINORITY. Bless the folks who have insurance through a corporation that can negotiate fair prices - they will be able to keep that insurance. Small businesses and individuals have NO VOICE with insurance companies - and I heard that new jobs actually come mostly from small business growth. Yes, it's true that the cost of insurance KEEPS ME from expanding jobs in my company.
I for one am so happy about this. I have worked, cried and fought tirelessly for the past seven months fighting for this day.
As one who was kicked off the rolls, who had a pre-exisiting condition that required daily expensive medications and had to go without. I fought and appealed to retain my insurance, stating that it would cost less in the long-term than it would if something catastrophic had happened.
...and it was one time in my life I regretted being right when I almost died from a heart condition that I couldn't take medications for. I almost left my 11 year old son behind and it could have been prevented if not for greed.
Now I can get insurance again, not be denied the care I paid into, and it will not cause me to have to live in my car....
Is it perfect? No. But its SOMETHING and something is always better than NOTHING.
It is a day of rejoicing! But don't un-roll your sleeves yet!
When is Rush moving to costa Rico?
National Healthcare
Does that mean than my adult children, who are struggling to make ends meet, will have the same health care as the lawmakers who passed this Bill? If not, why not?
republicans have beat the dead horse over and over stating "the american people don't want this" (healthcare reform bill). but they don't say which americans. i believe they are referring to wealthy americans who receive dividends on insurance investments and their wealthy friends in the insurance industry – not the overall american public.
republicans have beat the dead horse over and over stating "the american people don't want this" (healthcare reform bill). but they don't say which americans. i believe they are referring to wealthy americans who receive dividends on insurance investments and their wealthy friends in the insurance industry – not the overall american public – of course except those who are propagandized by the likes of rush limbaugh.
This will decrease my husband's income and raise my taxes.
Change WILL NEVER feel comforable or make everybody happy. It is a process that takes time to work its way out for everyone.
HC Reform is NEEDED!
It is sad what is happening to our country. In November these folks will pay a price for this action. Hopefully, it can be reversed once we get some good people in place.
@Harvey and Amy – Kiran just read your comments on-air! Keep the conversation going folks. We want to hear your stories and how the health care bill could affect you...
Forcing people to buy health insurance or be punished by paying a fine is so shamefully unconstitutional. Who is going to collect the fines and who is going to benefit from the fines? Do we need health care reform? Definitely! Do we need what was passed by the house of representatives late Sunday night? Definitely NOT! People in favor of the recently passed bill do not understand that all of the good provisions in it will be trumped by the negative side effects. Insurance companies are businesses for profit not for charity. Will they be required to keep their premiums low so that everyone can buy in? Of course not. That's terrible for the business and the consumer. America, don't be fooled into thinking that suddenly all of your health insurance woes have vanished.
For the first time in a long time Congress stood up and did the right thing.
I am proud to call myself a democrat. Every American is entitled to affordable healthcare and it seems to me that this is where taxpayer dollars should be spent.. The republican aren't scoring any points with theirs tactics and delays. Seems to me President Obama worked hard to include the Republican in this bill. After all there are over 200 Republican revision included in this bill. Change is finally coming. This is the reason why we elected President Obama
My problem is this bill is it really isn't changing much for 4 years! WOW! CNN and others never stated this point until the last several days. Also, veryone will now have ACCESS to insurance. Great! BUT.....they don't tell us what this coverage will cost! I guarantee that will become an issue!
I am profoundly grateful for the passing of this bill. However, I am sad that the major part of the bill will not take effect in another 4 YEARS. I am a 39 year old female who works (part-time) but is uninsured. Where is the relief for an American like myself and many others out there? 4 years is too long of a wait !!!!! Breast cancer is in my family and at my age insurance is needed. A lot can happen in that 4 year wait
Although I would have liked to see a public option, I look at the bill as a first step in fixing our health care system.
What is needed now besides a public option is for the health insurance companies to lose their anti-trust exemption as well as being forced to cover what we pay for.
I'm one American among many who voted for President Obama and his agenda for change.I am happy to see health care reform take place.I find it difficult to witness htis show among others who seem to refuse to acknowledge what a great historical time this is,and hoe this president,including other democrats have succeeded in what other presidents have failed at.Give this President his due respect.The first African American President for all Americans that has done what no other could do.I am very proud of him,and dissapointed in this and other broadcast for trying to play it down or dig up mess about tiger woods,shame on you.
With remarkably little air time, Dr Gupta etal at CNN were the only ones made any effort to get at the heart of the problem, that is why does US health care cost so much? Secondly, the problem of Doctor shortages in the near future. Thirdly, Medical Standardization and a cost reduction measure and benefits for Docs. And finally, the Mayo Medical clinic in Minnesota as a potential model for other health care institutions to follow. High cost issues of US Health Care were the only problem at the onset of the debate and still remains as the major concern. As a genuine compliment, excellent job CNN! Now, let figuratively throw everything we have learned on the table, sort it out, and design a brand new Health Care System and while we're at it, let's somehow create a more efficient and effective Government out of the ashes of the dysfuntional one currently in power. One that is based on a true democracy that naturaly disolves all the party line retoric, that is making so many of us ashamed on how our government operates. Let us lead Congress.
There has been a lot of discussion about the expansion of Medicaid. Nationally, 50% of medicaid recipients are children, 25% are adults who qualify (mostly women) and 25% are elderly and disabled (Kaiser State Health Facts). Medicaid rules keep many uninsured from qualifying.
One problem with the bill is that States already short shrift medicaid and hospitals bear the brunt of the costs (cost shifting). States need to get creative about how to lower costs and restructure their systems. Healthier people are more productive. Investment in health will pay off!
Make no mistake, we needed health care reform. But what bothers me most about this bill is the corrupt way in which it was passed. This was not done above board, in good faith with transparency. This was a power grab by the Democrat party under the guise of helping the people. We cannot afford yet another 'entitlement' program for our grandchildren to pay for. Pelosi compared the bill to social security and medicare; two programs that are bankrupt.
Listen people, we truly flirt with disaster when we abandon the system the founding fathers built for us. We flirt with it not only to our peril, but to our children's peril. We owe our children an intact country and functional government. Look around, what we will leave is a polarized nation such as I've never seen. I am truly frightened for my children. Not since the civil war has America been this divided. One half of the country seems to want an all providing government with say so in all aspects of life who takes care of all our problems from cradle to grave, for anyone who can get across the border, legally or not.
The other half is trying for all it is worth to preserve the moral, fiscally sound country we like to remember in books and movies. That country is quickly becoming a thing of the past. The health care bill, in and of itself, does not make us socialist but make no mistake, it DOES put us on that road. We are going in that direction a little faster now. America has truly become a house divided. And we all know what happens to divided houses. If you dont, you better look it up.
A healthy country is a productive country. This historic bill that was passed last night was a win for the American people. To treat health-care as a commodity is both immoral and shameless. The behavior of the Republican Party during this debate was at best disgusting and their Tea-party supporters proved in the end it was never about health-care reform with them it was about bigotry. Its not a perfect bill but it serves as a big step in the right direction for millions and millions of hard working Americans. Thank You President Obama and Nancy Pelosi for carrying yourself above the fray and showing Americans that change can take place in this country when commonsense, respect for others and the will to do right by the American people becomes the priority.
The Insurance Companies have treated people like dirt for too long, in the name of profit and greed. Hopefully this will be a new begining for fair treatment for everyone.
Robert: Those government assistance programs that provide health care REQUIRE that you virtually bankrupt yourself to qualify. In addition, even the UNINSURED are subsidizing the insured. Most hospital receive tax breaks (especially the not-for-profit ones) that are an indirect taxpayer subsidy. Most hospitals receive medicare and medicaid payments that support the whole organization – courtesy of the taxpaying public. Big pharma receives HUGE tax subsidies for R&D (over an above what other business receive) to develop drugs that the uninsured (but still taxpaying) have no access to.
This isn't about life choices. A child born with a pre-existing condition made no choice. We have no choice in who our ancestors (and genetic donors) are, and many conditions we receive are the result of predisposition from genetic factors.. I have to breathe the air and drink the water that many seem to think they have the unrestricted right to pollute – and then when I get sick (and there are plenty of studies linking such things to diseases – most notably asthma) I can't get insurance because of a pre-existing condition? Nonsense.
Many of the uninsured are more than willing to pay for insurance – but find they can't obtain it at any cost.
The decision of my health care should be up to my doctor, not my insurance company.
P.S.
Kiran, I'm happy to see you back in the morning. We missed you.
Now is the time to start pushing our so-called "representatives" in Congress for a PUBLIC OPTION... perhaps something like universal Medicare with premium,s scaled to income brackets.
If they won't listen, vote against them in the primaries.
my son has a congenital heart defect and has a yearly visit, the visit takes 30-45 minutes and we see a bill that is sent to dissability medicare for 32,000 dollars. this is the problem absorbent charges for services.
I find the fact that you are asking the public how they "think" this legislature will impact us is troubling. Shouldn't we all know this prior to it becoming law? Isn't that the job of the President, politicians and media–to inform the public before laws are enforced upon us?? Politicians seemed to be pretty good about summarizing what they were going to do prior to being elected. From what I have seen in the media about public reaction to this bill, people are confused and unaware of how this law will impact people in this country...and referring people to a website to suffer through reading the entire bill in lawyer-speak is a cop out. Until today–after the bill has been passed–only several positive points have been spoken of by politicians supporting the bill. The media until now has offered very little information of substance; the focus has been on the ugliness of the debate, not the points of the debate. I am not against the positive aspects of the bill, but I'm not sure how this legislature is actually going to impact me and the younger, hardworking but financially struggling members of my family, and I am disappointed with the way this issue has been presented (or not presented) to the public by politicians and the media.
I am a leg amputee and a volunteer that helps those who recently experienced limb loss. I look forward to the provision in the new bill that eliminates CAPS on lifetime benefits because I have seen many people struggle financially because their Insurance policy had a “CAP” in their policy for prosthetics. CAPS like one prosthetic per lifetime, even for a growing child who has limb loss; or $5,000 lifetime CAP when studies show most adult amputees need to get a new prosthetic every 5-6 years (the body changes). The entire legislation is a step forward. The major problem is health care should not be a profit making business.
The Drain is open and The Vortex has formed, There goes our Country, Right down the "Rabbit Hole" of Socialism, Just wait until the "Loopholes" of this legislation are exposed and implemented!
Hopefully, Most parts will not be effective until after November, That gives the "People" a chance to CLEAN OUT the Senate and Congress, Then adjust the Bill according to Constitutional Law.
HI, I was injured on the job seriously enough to be disabled the year that Pres. Bush took office and finally got disability[medicaid] the year Pres. Obama took office. Because of my existing I was denied any kind of insurance or it was so far out what I could afford that it wasn't reasonable. Thank goodness someone got into officethat the insurance companies couldn't buy. Where the real reform will come is when a public option is included to make the insurance companies respond by lowering theirs. How many billions is enough to please their stockholders?
My entire family has struggled with health care issues, from children in college, parents and sister on Medicare and living on SSN who were and are struggling to pay health-care and prescription drug bills not covered and even worse, adult children who either don't have health-care on their jobs or have been laid off and have none and finally a brother unable to get health-care due to a previous cancer surgery. This is very limited help that won't even start for 2 more years but it is at least and finally a small step in the right direction. Our forefathers would have cringed at the way some Americans have tried to stop those of us in need, to get help in their names.
I am glad this bill passed. It will help me. I am one of those people who falls in the middle. With my unemployment and my child support I make too much for medicaid and not enough to purchase insurance, I am stuck in the middle, I do not know how it will help me,but I ask my congressman Jack Kingston to vote for the bill I even wrote to him. I did not get a response, all the info I received from Jack was he is voting no,. I am truly upset with Jack.
It's about time!!!!! just one ? Why is it going to take 4 years to go into effect? I need it now.
As a wheel chair bound cancer patient, I'm pleased that my insurance company can no longer "drop" me... and I'm pleased that my grandchildren will now most likely be able to get some sort of insurance protection, which they haven't had in years.
Just one badly broken leg could very easily make their entire families homeless before this bill.
The Republicans think they scored points by delaying and adding toxic clauses to this legislation, but frankly I believe most of the public is smarter than that. Unfortunately, not ALL of the public... there are still many easily-manipulated paranoids out there!
I own a small plumbing company and I recently changed insurance companies because BCBS decided to raise my premiums by nearly 20%. As they have done yearly. If I hadn't found cheaper insurance and keep my employees insured I would have lost some of my best people. Congress finally passes a bill that helps the poor and the working class and not a single republican voted for it.
Having been hospitalized without insurance the need for Health Care Reform was obvious to me. But two points I would like to make. First is, the current polarization in this country was started with His Imperial Majesty George W Bush and his settlement of a family vendetta by invading a country. The second point I would make is that no one has talked about the gross inefficiency of the billiing system within Health Care: agreements made with hospitals for a payment plan and the hospital sending you to a collection agancy anyway. .. . paying, in full, for lab work done the month after it was done, and the hospital reporting you as a collection two months later.......seems one of the highest costs in healthcare is gross inneficiency in billing. Has anyone addressed THAT problem?
I understand that there are some gaps in health care coverage, but don't children who are born with diaabilities or develop autism qualify for care under our government disabilities assistance programs? People are making it sound as if there's no help at all. I know of people who have had absolutely no heath care and have had cancer surgery and all the Dr. care and follow up care free of charge. If people seek help, there is help available in this country. Also, we protect the disabled and children as well as any country in the world. To say millions are dying for lack of insurance is questionable at best. And as far as bankruptcy filings go because of medical costs. Bankruptcy has become a way of life in this country. I know people who have filed multiple times and are still able to keep their homes and purchase ( finance) cars and other things. I'm sympathetic for anyone who struggles, but a lot of our population is suffering from the choices they make in life and the way they choose to live
I was a faithful payer of my Insurance Premiums for 15 plus years with BC&BS. Aproximately 8 years ago I was in auto accident. Two young kids ran a red light and hit me as I was turning. I was not at fault. My back was whipped lashed and it created soft tissue damage. I couldn't work out like I normally did all my life. I never really had a weight issue. I gained nearly 100lbs in 8 years thus causing me to start having blood sugar issues.
I can deal with all that. But what really got me upset was the BCBS raised my insurance premiums with 2 years by 50% and billing me . bi-monthly. My premium got to $704.00 per month and climbing. I elected to cancel. I felt this was just plain taking advantage of me. I at that time could make the payments but number one, my business dropped in half plus( self employed 33 years) so my income did also. So instead of the Ins. Co. taking it easy on me they kept putting the pressure on because I fell into a high risk status. Basically, eliminate me by raising my premiums out of sight. Take me to the breaking point. I didn't know how hard it would be to obtain a strong policy like I had with another company. These Insurance companies are criminals. Now the wind has been taken out of their sails and now they have to start flying right and doing their God Given fudiciary duty which they should have been doing all along. This is America.
I feel this is the best thing for America. This bill will help my God daughter who works everyday and doesn't have insurance because she works as a sub for the school district, and several young married couples I know struggling working low paying jobs and can't afford to pay for the insurance because it takes away from their total income. It will also benefit me, because I want to retire at the age of 60; and because our Social Security program keeps moving the age of eligibility I would not have any means of insurance.
Today I am so proud to be a democrat. We finally got something done and it was historical. The republicans got their war in Iraq which change history, Now we have health care. The biggest change to Health Care in 45 years. Today democracy worked and my vote finally counted in 2008.
I was on COBRA coverage for 18 months. When COBRA coverage expired, I tried to purchase an individual policy from the same provider. They declined to do so citing my wife being overweight as a pre-existing condition! Fact of matter is she is in excellent health, never had any illnesses despite being overweight technically. The only reason that we can think of for denial of coverage is that we underwent a fertility treatment during that period which by the way was not paid for by COBRA coverage. Since the insurance company could not cite this as the real reason, it choose the ridiculous reason cited above. We definitely are elated at the passage of this bill. Hopefully, it will put the greed of these insurance companies on check.
Today many Americans are breathing a sigh of relief because they no longer have to fear the devastation that comes along with having no coverage for children with pre-existing conditions. Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. We just opened our umbrella and embraced the principles these country was built on. It is about time!
Regardless of which side you are on the health care issue, I think it's time we reexamine the actions taken by extremists in this debate. I personally have been called "un-American", a "scumbag liberal" and a "mother F'ing" socialist" as a result of my position. I have also received death threats from both strangers and people I have known for decades as a result of my opinions. The America I grew up in, and the one our Founders envisioned for us, REQUIRED robust and CIVIL debate. For only through an examination of the issues from ALL perspectives – approached with an open mind – can a truly appropriate solution be fashioned. People may not change their opinion on an issue, but they MUST respect the fact that others have a legitimate right to their own position. Use of epithets (racial, homophobic, or personal) have no place in our society, and we need to WAKE UP, STAND UP, and denounce these tactics.
I am glad to see the bill go forward..I have a granddaughter with Cerebral Palsy and have lost one child from MS...This was a necessary Bill..However, I am totally disgusted by the behavior of some of our Representatives and their open display to the American People last night. If they can't set an example for a peaceful nation, we are NO better than the some of the nations we are at war with..It is obvious , that their is a war on the hill......
The Democrats and President Obama finally stood up and took a chance on making America a better place to live. Bravo for your courage. Lets hope the American people aren't swayed by the special interests lined up to mislead and confuse them. In the end they will be vindicated and we will secure in the knowledge there are still politicians out there that actually care about us..the people.
why do we want to force people to buy healthcare when we cant afford to pay even the deductibles leftoverafter insurance.fix the healthcare industry dont make more people line the pockets of insurance and hospitals.
The passage of Health Care Reform will help so many Americans my father died of prostate cancer becasue he did not have health insurance had his employer had health care my father could possibly be alive today
i am glad the bill has passed now i can start my own business something ive put off because of health insurance concern
I am currently one of the uninsured US citizens although I am employed full time which I find to be a disgrace that employers could get away with for all of these years. I worked in Europe for over 15 years and was insured during full time and part time employment with no worries about pre-existing conditions, probationary periods, lifetime limit restrictions or uncovered illness issues. It is a fact that the Europeans live healthier lives because they go to the doctor on a regular basis without thinking of bankruptcy or how to pay a health bill.
I finally see America taking care of America!
I am satisfied with the new healthcare reform legislation. I run a small business enterprise and know many people in my shoes that could not offer benefits to employess due to cost. Now, we'll be able to do so and that's a benefit for millions of workers that work for and with us.
Shame on those that see this effort as anything other than valiant and necessary.