Health insurance helps cover the cost of medical bills for Americans who require medical care. Most health insurance plans cover a percentage of medical costs and require the user to pay the remaining percentage, although certain people qualify for government health insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid.
An increasing number of people are being forced to buy their own health insurance due to job losses and the cost of individual coverage in increasing rapidly. Sales of individual policies have increased 24 percent in just the last two months, but the 17 million Americans who are paying for their own health care don't have the leverage to negotiate like large companies do and are having to pay more money.http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-02-19-health-coverage_N.htm?csp=34
Universal Health Care
The United States has passed a health care reform bill that will introduce new procedures and methods in which Americans receive health coverage. Some of the changes that Americans will begin to see are:http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/benefitsofreform?source=issues
- Millions of Americans will be eligible for tax credits to assist in paying their health insurance premiums.
- Those who do not have access to health insurance through their employer may be eligible for tax credits to help alleviate the financial pressure from providing insurance to their families.
- In 2014, pre-existing conditions will not disqualify families from obtaining health insurance.
- More than 60 percent of small businesses will be eligible for tax cuts to help them provide affordable insurance coverage for their employees.
President Obama On the Passage of Health Reform
This video is a news clip of the speech made by President Obama after the passage of the health care reform bill in March 2010. This reform bill introduces several measures that will reduce out of pocket costs for Americans and allow them the opportunity to receive tax credits to assist with some of the costs involved.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Some employers offer subsidized group health insurance plans
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Fact:
Indemnity coverage allows users to pick which hospital, doctor or clinic they receive care from, but usually require payment of a deductible
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Fact:
Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) insurance costs are usually lower, but offer a limited network of care providers
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Fact:
In 2006, over 16% of Americans under the age of 65 were uninsured
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Fact:
9.3% of U.S. children were uninsured in 2006
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Fact:
Over 47 million Americans do not have health insurance
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Fact:
Medical expenses may be tax deductible if they exceed 7.5% of one's income
