Health Reform, Finally

It was an ugly, ugly process. But we need health care reform. And now we have it. There are plenty of provisions for everyone. And plenty for everyone to criticize. But really, it's time to move on from politics to performance.



Many Americans have had their families, careers and even where they live shaped by health insurance. For far too long, the availability and / or cost of health insurance has driven fundamental decisions. Let's assume that once this law is enacted - and fine-tuned - that people will have one less major driver in their lives. It could mean a larger pool of talented employees for small businesses. And it could mean more affordable retirements for all of us.

It's always been an irony that we have the ability in this country to live long lives. With weak insurance, that long life can lack quality. The life-long limp, the chronic pain, the poor eyesight can now be addressed earlier, cheaper and more effectively for millions of people. I realize that this might be a naive reaction to the bill. But I hope it turns out to be at least somewhat true.

Yes it will cost more for some families. And there will be major abuses. We know that. Afte all, it's the government-as-manager we're talking about here and we know how that story line plays out. But overall, universal health care can be a long-term winner.

According to Crooks and Liars, here are ten benefits which occur within six months:

1. Adult children may remain as dependents on their parents’ policy until their 27th birthday
2. Children under age 19 may not be excluded for pre-existing conditions
3. No more lifetime or annual caps on coverage
4. Free preventative care for all
5. Adults with pre-existing conditions may buy into a national high-risk pool until the exchanges come online. While these will not be cheap, they’re still better than total exclusion and get some benefit from a wider pool of insureds.
6. Small businesses will be entitled to a tax credit for 2009 and 2010, which could be as much as 50% of what they pay for employees’ health insurance.
7. The “donut hole” closes for Medicare patients, making prescription medications more affordable for seniors.
8. Requirement that all insurers must post their balance sheets on the Internet and fully disclose administrative costs, executive compensation packages, and benefit payments.
9. Authorizes early funding of community health centers in all 50 states (Bernie Sanders’ amendment). Community health centers provide primary, dental and vision services to people in the community, based on a sliding scale for payment according to ability to pay.
10. AND no more rescissions. Effective immediately, you can't lose your insurance because you get sick.