The Change in Healthcare
Healthcare in the United States has been a popular topic of debate since the 1990’s. The principal issue has been that some people feel they are underserved in their health care needs, while others feel that the country is overspending on health care. Although people will continue to debate, the issue has recently been brought to justice. President Obama signed new legislation into law on March 23 and March 30, 2010. The aim is to overhaul the nation's health care system and guarantee access to medical insurance for tens of millions of Americans (Health Care Reform, 2010). This legislation was given to President Obama to sign after a very close vote in the House of Representatives of 219 to 212 (Health Care
There is however, a light at the end of this tunnel.
In 2009, Congress enacted a healthcare reform bill that will extend coverage to nearly 70% of those uninsured once it is fully implemented. Within this bill is a provision for recent college graduates. The sponsors of the bill hope to support new graduates during a time that is both exciting and frightful as they search for gainful employment. This new legislation allows young adults to remain under their parents’ health insurance until they reach the age of twenty-six. The plan should help to alleviate stress as young adults transition into the workforce. The new healthcare plan should also help to relieve the burden placed on society by an influx of uninsured adults requiring healthcare.
This historic bill also encounters an issue of concern over potential prejudice against those with pre-existing conditions. In the past, people with pre-existing medical conditions were simply denied medical coverage. All insurance applicants are required to undergo physical exams and to divulge any type of illness prior to approval. Typically, the insurer then denies coverage based on the occurrence of preexisting illnesses; these rejected applicants are forced to cover their healthcare costs alone. Ultimately, those who stand to receive the greatest benefit are denied the coverage they so desperately need.
The Healthcare Reform Bill however, aims to address these problems and prejudices. One major foothold of the bill is