I Believe in the Health Care Reform Bill by Andrew Mashek

Expanded coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans. Citizens with preexisting conditions can not be denied insurance. Citizens under 26 years of age can be claimed under their parent's insurance plans. Change in health care is relentless and the knowledge of the changes will help develop a clear understanding of it. I believe in The Health Care Reform Bill.

Who will pay for the Reform? The Health Industry and the wealthy would pay for a large amount of the $940 Billion it will cost. The wealthy or individuals making more than $200,000 a year and couples making more than $250,000 a year will pay more for their Medicare. First, their hospital insurance tax rate will be increased by 0.9%-2.35%. Then, the bill will create new taxes on unearned income like dividends, interest, and other such items. These would raise $210 billion in three years. The new Health Insurance tax or "Cadillac tax" would impose an excise tax on insurers of employer-sponsored health plans that cost more than $10,200 annually for individuals or $27,500 annually for family coverage. This tax would be 40% of the cost of the plan. So they would be paying about double because of the tax.

Who must buy insurance? Most citizens and legal residents must purchase "minimal essential coverage" for themselves and their dependents. They either buy it through their employer, or they can buy it through new marketplaces that will sell policies to individuals. These markets will be called "Exchanges" Most Lower- and Middle-class income Americans would get subsidized insurance.

What are some of the pros and cons of the Bill? Some Pros are: Coverage will be expanded to cover about 95% of the legal residents. More competition in the insurance industry in so doing will lower prices of insurance. Insurance companies would have to accept everyone no matter what preexisting conditions. Cheaper prescription drugs for seniors. Some cons are: Due to cuts in Medicare the elderly will see their benefits changed dramatically. The $940 billion addition to the deficit is not good for the U.S. economy. There will be more taxes especially on businesses.

The Health Care Reform Bill will be both good and bad for the citizens of the U.S. Something is needed to help the U.S. and its citizens. Maybe this bill will succeed in helping or maybe it is another bump in the long and rocky road ahead of us. But what I do know is the bill is a step closer to a perfect government that will benefit this country. I believe in The Health Care Reform Bill.