9.22.2010

Finally, Health Care Reform

What kicks in on September 23, 2010.. It's being called the Patient's Bill of Rights and includes:

  1. Allowing children under 26 years old to stay on their parents' health care plans 

  2. Prohibiting insurance companies from discriminating against children with pre-existing conditions 

  3. Barring insurance companies from rescinding coverage once a customer becomes sick, or if he or she made a mistake on their application 

  4. Barring insurance companies from putting lifetime limits on health coverage  No out-of-pocket costs for preventive care
  5. Insurers are banned from charging more for emergency services obtained outside of a customer's network

  6. Customers are guaranteed the right to appeal insurance company decisions to an independent third party

  7. Customers have the right to choose their own doctor in their insurer network


President Obama signed the health care reform bill six months ago, to take effect on Thursday. Several misconceptions are still circulating and probably will continue to spread until the above reforms kick into full gear.
Can't imagine anyone wanting to repeal a piece of legislation that will protect their children up to age 27, the way this one does. More reforms are phased in with the bulk of the health care bill coming to fruition in 2014.
That still gives the GOP and the Tea Party plenty of time to rail against the measures, much like they do with social security, medicare and medicaid.
I will really start to worry about the opposition when the teabaggers start giving back their benefits, which will signal their willingness to live in a true free market society and compete along with the rest of us.
However, until I see social security card, medicare card burning parties or old white guys tearing up their social security checks at teabagger rallies....I'm not worried...
If the GOP is serious about repeal or shutting down government...let them first agree to cut off their own health care, give back their pensions and refuse to use medicare or medicaid.

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