How Will Obama Reform the Health System?
Yesterday, we looked at the types of health reform that Obama plans on instituting. Today, we’ll look at how these plans may be carried out.
If you were hoping Obama was going to charge in on his gallant steed and change the way health insurance operates in this country, you are probably mistaken. “The Obama plan is actually quite traditional,” says John Sheils, Senior Vice President of the Lewin Group, a health care policy research company. “It is very similar to the proposals made by other democratic candidates during the primaries.” This isn’t something to get down about, but realistic expectations should be held near and dear. Although there are some changes and extensions that Obama is hoping to make to the way things operate currently, what he drafts and what actually makes it through Congress are another story.
Bill Clinton and George Bush didn’t get bills passed simply due to lack in trying. Congressional support from the Democratic members, as well as their input, is going to be a crucial component of how the health care and insurance turns out for all of us, so that is what you will want to keep your eye on.
Where’s the Money for Health Reform?
But how are these changes going to be paid for, you may be asking yourself? Especially in times in economic downturn, like we now find ourselves, it’s hard to imagine financing a new system or even just new reforms from taxes alone.
Obama’s proposed plan would cost the federal government $75 billion in the first year, but would hopefully be providing health insurance to 95% of Americans. Seems like a worthy price tag, does it not? But since the federal system is so low on case at the current time (and probably won’t be seeing any new funds magically appear any time soon) where will the money come from?
Some experts think that a reallocation of funds currently in the health care system is the way that this plan is going to get off the ground. It may make things worst at first if funds are taken away from programs that need it, but getting health care to more Americans seems to be a top priority not just for this impending administration but for the citizens of this country as well.
In conclusion, keep your eyes on Obama and his communication with Congress, and hope that the health insurance that has long been absent for so many is finally available in one shape or another. Because we all deserve to be healthy.
Further Reading
- See yesterday’s post to read about the programs that Obama plans on instituting for health insurance reform.
photo credit: juhansonin
Tags: health care, health insurance reform, health plans, health policy, healthcare reform, politics and healthcare
