Health Care Bill Passes; CafeMom Explodes
November 9, 2009 at 7:00 AM by Cafe Kim - Comments (10)
Okay, maybe my headline is a little melodramatic. But ever since the health care reform legislation passed the House on Saturday night, groups all over CafeMom have been buzzing with lively discussion. Some moms are happy. Some moms are scared. Some moms haven't had a chance to learn what exactly is included in the bill (and it's no wonder; the bill is almost 2,000 pages long!).
Poll
Question: Do you think the House health reform bill is a good thing or a bad thing?
Total Votes: 44
So what happens now with respect to this bill becoming law? First, the Senate must pass its own version of a health care bill. Then, a congressional committee will merge both bills into a consensus plan, which would then need approval from the House, the Senate, and President Obama himself. Whew.
What follows is by no means a comprehension explanation of the House plan, but rather a few highlights from the bill that are generating the most debate:
- The House bill would extend coverage to 36 million people now without insurance.
- The bill would create a federally regulated marketplace where consumers could "shop" for the best coverage.
- The bill would create a government health insurance program; in other words, the government will sell health insurance, competing against private insurance companies.
- The bill would restrict insurance company practices from not covering pre-existing conditions or dropping people when they become ill.
- It would require most Americans to obtain health insurance or face penalties.
- It would offer federal subsidies to help people who can't afford it buy insurance from private companies or from the government. Anyone earning less than $88,000 for a family of four would qualify for a subsidy.
- It would block the use of these federal subsidies for insurance (private or sold by the government) that covers elective abortions. Another way to understand this is that the bill would bar any insurance plan (even private insurance plans) that are purchased with government subsidies from covering abortions.
Do you think the House health care bill is a good thing or a bad thing?
What are you thoughts on the health care bill that was passed?
Health Care Reform Bill Passes
Health Care Is Not Fair (Especially for Women)
FILED UNDER: in the news
Want to leave a comment and join the discussion?
Sign up for CafeMom. As a member you'll be able to leave comments, join groups, share photos, and more. Already a member? Click here to log in.
Or, leave a guest comment (guest comments are moderated and won't appear immediately)
I'm very torn on this. I have private insurance, but unlike some people I can actually see beyond the end of my own nose and I desperately want health care for those who need it but can't afford it.
On the other hand, I would not be interested in it personally because I don't want the government in my business any more than they already are. I also don't think anyone should be forced to obtain insurance either.
I am unsure. I do hate the term "forced to have insurance" but I personally have hoped for some change in the area of health care in this country. I guess it will depend on what the end result is and whether or not it proves to be effective in giving people better access to care. also, the penalty for not having insurance concerns me- what if someone simply cannot afford the insurance? then they'll be penalized? I have to get a bit more educated on the details I guess to really know how that would work.
the subsidies surprised me... we make under 88k, but I think we make more than the average family. We pay for our own insurance and we pay a TON in my opinion... for coverage we barely use (but are glad we have in case of emergency) so to hear we would qualify for subsidies kinda shocked me. In a good way. Nothing set in stone yet, so I hate to speculate.. but I think its a good thing. I'm sick of medical fees being ASTONOMICAL because Jane Doe didnt have insurance and came in for a burst appendix... never paid.. and now we all foot the bill.
also.. I am pro-choice but I am happy they voted to block the use of insurance funds to elective abortion. As the name says, its ELECTIVE and therefor not life threatening to the mother. If a woman and her partner choose to abort, they should cover those costs.. not you me or anyone else.
last.. I am BEYOND estatic they cant deny coverage due to preexisting conditions. My aunt Judy just suffered through breast cancer two years ago. She had to leave her job, a job she had been at for over 20 years and she practically ran the company. Shes 58, and otherwise in perfect health. When she came back into the job market she took a job with a competitor at a higher pay... but the insurance company denied her coverage because she had cancer in the past. That's not right. Nobody should go through that.
I would not care one bit about this bill, other than happy about the fact that those people in our country who need insurance would be able to get it, but I am one that is without insurance, and it is because I DON'T WANT IT! Unless the government would be paying for my appointments with my holistic chiropractor and all of my 'medicines' (i.e. vitamins) and it would cost less than what I pay out of pocket, then I would be happy to get insurance with the government (well, maybe, I'd have to look more into it). But I DO NOT want the governement to force themselves into my life anymore than they already are!
In my opinion, this is a disaster. While I completely advocate that we need healthcare reform, this bill once again punishes people who are trying to make a living and rewards people who are not contributing. A family making more than $100k a year would have to pay $20k for this Federal-mandated insurance, more than 20% of pre-tax income. AND those who do NOT enroll will be fined when they file their taxes. Steep fines. Of course, illegal immigrants are exempt from paying in OR fines. And that is not all. Of course, this entire bill sidesteps that document known as a Constitution; in other words, you have no rights, you must enroll. Don't get me wrong; I don't want any family to go bankrupt because their child or a parent has become ill. I don't want anyone to have to choose between care and the consequences. However, this bill is NOT it.
I'm VERY, VERY glad. Between my scoliosis, sinus damage, PCOS and my husband's twice-occurring spontaneous pneumothorax, scoliosis, amongst other things, we were TERRIFIED to get out of the military because we're practically uninsurable, OR people wanted a premium that was more than our current RENT... for really poor, spotty coverage.
The crap we've had, privately, has NOT been working and we're 36th in the world for health right now... pathetic. So, it's time to try something different.
Oh, and I agree with athena... the sound of "force" and "penalty" sound bad, but I don't know enough specific details to start speculation or accusations.
Iwild, nothing I've read about the House health care bill has included the specific numbers that you did in your post (about paying 20% of pre-tax income, etc.). Can you please tell me where you got this information? Also, it is my understanding that undocumented immigrants will not be eligible for coverage under this health care plan so why would they pay in?
very bad thing. at least the amendment to not cover abortions passed. its going to have a hard time in the Senate, they just dont have the numbers. my husband and i were talking about it Mon night and he doesnt think itll be voted on by the end of the year [in the Senate].
Stay in touch with CafeMom wherever you are
I like it all except the part where it would force people to have insurance - I don't think people should be forced to carry insurance. I would like to see more emphasis put on preventative care.
ksnj2 Nov. 9, 2009 at 5:45 PM