The public option would be available to those who are otherwise uninsured and would not be available to anyone who is already covered by an existing employer’s plan.
Mollohan helped clear the way for passage of the bill by arguing forcefully for an amendment to prohibit federal funding of abortion. Without that amendment, the votes of several dozen Democratic Members of Congress remained in doubt. Mollohan obtained the signatures of 28 of those Representatives on a letter to the House leadership endorsing the amendment. Late Friday night, the House leadership relented and decided to allow a vote on the amendment, which passed 240-194-1.
Noting that the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) strongly endorsed the legislation, Mollohan pointed out that seniors would be among the major beneficiaries of the bill. "Seniors who have fallen into the prescription drug donut hole will see a reduction in their out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, this legislation will shore up the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund.”
Small business owners would also benefit from the legislation. “Their health care costs have grown a whopping 129% since 2000, and they are in desperate need of relief,” Mollohan said. “The national insurance marketplace set up by this legislation will allow them to comparison shop and get the best coverage at the cheapest price for their employees. Additionally, it will provide a tax credit to help them provide insurance for their employees.”
Other provisions in the legislation would promote competition among insurers by ending their existing antitrust exemption; allow young adults to remain on their parents’ policies through age 26; prohibit insurance companies from discriminating against anyone because of their health status; and provide subsidies to help lower-income families purchase basic insurance coverage.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates that the legislation will also reduce the national debt by $109 billion over ten years.
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Statement by James P. Firman, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging:
After a carefully analysis, we have concluded that the bill is a good deal for America's seniors. H.R. 3962 would improve care for older Americans, protect and strengthen the Medicare program, significantly reduce the number of uninsured Americans, and make important delivery system reforms that should reduce costs and improve quality - all in a fiscally responsible manner.
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5 comments:
Tom Perriello enjoy your next 12 months you WILL be shown the door next November.Fulk you wouldn't bet with me on Deeds,Wagner,or Shannon would you like to make a little bet on Perriello ?
Not a betting man anon, I work for a living. What are your thoughts regarding the subject of this thread?
Please point out how this will lower healthcare costs and not lead to sharply higher premiums. Also explain why, if this is such an emergency, it doesn't even go into effect until 2013. Just a coincidence that is after the '12 election?
If the Employers face a cost figure and they see it is cheaper to pay a fine than to give Health insurance then the cost of the public option will triple the estimates we are getting now.The health care system is broke i for one just don't see how being government run will save any money im sure you will agree most government agencies are not very cost saving.Why not let insurance companies sell across state lines ?
thank you for once again providing information so that we can decide for ourselves
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