Posts filed under ‘Health Care’
Politics Trump Health Care for People with Pre-Existing Conditions
The new health reform law encourages states to create or expand existing state high-risk pools as one of the first steps towards insurance market reform and increasing access to health care for people who would not otherwise be able to obtain health insurance. State high risk pools can provide insurance, for example, for people who are receiving Social Security disability benefits but who are in the 24-month waiting period for Medicare.
Citing objections to a “federal takeover” of health care, Georgia’s Insurance Commissioner, John Oxendine, has announced that Georgia will not establish a high-risk pool for its residents with pre-existing conditions. The irony is that the health reform law also provides for the establishment of a federal high risk pool for uninsured people with pre-existing conditions that live in states that don’t have their own risk pool. So, by deciding that Georgia won’t establish its own program, Commissioner Oxendine is guaranteeing a “federal takeover” of health care – Georgia residents who can’t otherwise get insurance will only have the option of insurance through a federal, not state, program.
VG/DC
Seize The Day!
The Center for Medicare Advocacy urges Congress to pass health care reform now. According to Judith Stein, the Center’s Executive Director “We are the closest we have ever been to fixing our unfair and ineffective health care system. We must seize this opportunity to pass health reform. The status quo is not an option; we simply can’t afford to put this off yet again.”
Ms. Stein stressed that health care reform will strengthen and improve guaranteed benefits in Medicare and protect the integrity of the Medicare program by extending the life of the Medicare Trust Fund. “More specifically, health care reform will improve the Medicare program for beneficiaries by slowing the growth of premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses, improving preventive benefits, and closing the gap in prescription drug coverage,” said Ms. Stein.
Moreover, the legislation promotes delivery system reforms to encourage high quality, coordinated health care. “Most of the Center’s clients have chronic conditions – as do nearly all Medicare beneficiaries. We know from experience that well coordinated care is critical to our clients’ well-being. The Center has been advocating about this issue for many years,” said Ms. Stein.
Ms. Stein stated that the Center for Medicare Advocacy strongly supports the goals of comprehensive health reform legislation, which expands coverage to millions of Americans, helps them purchase insurance, and ends discriminatory practices by insurance companies. “Everyone wins, including Medicare beneficiaries when all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care,” she said.
The Center for Medicare Advocacy urges Congress to pass health reform now. Passing this legislation will strengthen Medicare, bring a similar promise of health coverage to younger people, and increase the economic security of all Americans.
Judith Stein is available for comment and questions.
Help Haiti!
Now is one of those times to broaden our focus. Haitians need … everything. To gain quick access to many reputable organizations that are helping and need donations, go to http://www.rachelhulin.com/blog/2010/01/five-ways-to-help-haiti.html .
