10 Things You Should Know About Health Care Reform

Staff Reports

1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95 percent of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.

2. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions — or to drop coverage when people become sick.

3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses
who can’t afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool
together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower
premiums.

4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion
over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following
ten years.

5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small
businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance —
paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the
very wealthiest Americans.

6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for their prescription drugs
because the legislation closes the “donut hole” gap in existing
coverage.

7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will
create or save more than 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.

8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage
to an additional 16 million low-income people.

9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate
from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families’
insurance plans through age 26.

10. Community health centers will receive an additional $11
billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless
of their insurance or ability to pay.