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Health Care Reform Bill Passes House

 
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The House on Sunday passed the healthcare reform bill -- the most sweeping change to the health care system since Medicare more than four decades ago. The passage means that 30 million Americans without insurance will now receive coverage, reports CNN.com. And, the legislation, which was President Barack Obama's top domestic policy issue, will reportedly ban insurers from denying coverage to those with pre-existing medical conditions, reports MSNBC.com. The legislation passed by a 219-212 vote.

Democrats hailed the bill as historic and similar to the implementation of Social Security and Medicare. Republicans unanimously voted against the bill, calling it a government takeover of healthcare and stating it would saddle the nation with debt and weaken Medicare, the New York Times reports. Thirty-four Democrats voted against the bill.

The bill already cleared the Senate and will now be sent to Obama who will likely sign the bill Tuesday, reports foxnews.com. A companion package of changes is still pending the approval of the Senate, which is expected to occur late Sunday or early Monday.

Some of the basic tenants for the health care overall according to MSNBC.com include:

Americans will be required to purchase insurance and face penalties if they refuse;

Most of the money in the bill will be reserved to help families making up to $88,000 a year pay their premiums;

Children up to age 26 would be able to stay on their parents' plans;

Medicaid will be expanded;

Insurance companies will come under new regulation and will not be able to place lifetime dollar limits on policies, be prohibited from canceling policies when a policyholder becomes sick or deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions.

Sources: Health care latest: House passes legislation: CNN
House sends health care bill to Obama's desk: MSNBC
House Votes to Pass Senate Health Care Bill: FoxNews
House Approves Landmark Bill to Extend Health Care to Millions: New York Times

Add a Comment20 Comments

(reply to Anonymous)

I'm assuming you have always had insurance, and so have I. My heart is heavy for those who are suffering because they are denied health care or they can't afford health care. Who do you think is paying for those people that are going to ER without inusrance coverage. Think about those people that have to be on a medication the rest of their lifes and can't because they have no coverage. We didn't sign our souls over to the devil we just kicked him to the curb!!!!!

March 22, 2010 - 12:58pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Jaclyn Schmidlin)

We already have medicaid & medicare for people that can't afford insurance.This is just another way for the goverment to control you and me.They are going to be the one's deciding if you live or die.You and I are going to be paying 45% more on our insurance so people that are to lazy to work don't have to.We will also be giving free abortions. So that's not communist or the devil.Most of this will be helping illegals also.Should you get free healthcare when you or your family has paid nothing in.Ithink not!

March 23, 2010 - 5:13am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Excuse me but... I am self employed and working in the service industry. I make a considered "middle class" income, Yet I have not been able to afford health care for the past 5 years! What happens to those who work their asses off yet still can't afford health care?!

March 24, 2010 - 11:21pm
(reply to Anonymous)

I agree with you; if you are correct in stating you are one of those who work hard, but not able to still afford health care insurance. My problem with this all (and by the way, my husband is self employed; had to go with insurance which is so high - due to a prior existing health condition) is this:

I refuse to see our government implement a plan to take care of illegal aliens, people who are lazy and feed off of our welfare and government aid programs for no reason, and they will again - gain off of our government with this bill enacted. I am against anyone being fined for not signing up for health care. How can we let this happen? I do believe everyone should be under a health care plan, but we are going about taking care of this great big issue with this bill in many facets the wrong way. We should change the charges which doctors charge, hospitals charge, Pharmeceutical companies charge, and create 'ceilings'. We are going after the little people who struggle and think this bill is the answer to save them. Everyone - think of the true culprits with this all, and change this system, but do not enact, for example, a law to punish people if they do not sign up for health care. That is just one thing about this bill in error, but a point, again - as an example of how this bill has such falicies. I am sorry - but get the illegal aliens back where they belong. If they want to live here in our United States of America - get legal, and stop feeding off of all of us. I shutter to think how much we spend on illegal aliens each year, alone, with our tax dollars. Now, we are going to provide them with healthcare also? OMG...

Once again, true health reform starts with the people overcharging, and getting away with hurting us all.
They will not lose. These areas I mentioned will be fine, and problem still not resolved. Oh, there will be people who will now have insurance, but under government control, and all we have solved is some saved, but not what truly ails us with the whole of the Healthcare issue. Think about this... who wins, and those who have profited before for bad reasons - still will. It is a socialalistic government this is transforming to. Can't we see we will still be 'under the thumb' of profiteering and truly not making the right changes enacted?

March 25, 2010 - 6:07pm
(reply to SeeDandy1)

I somewhat agree with your point. The Health Insurance Co's need to lower costs dramatically, for anyone in this economical crisis to afford Insurance. I too don't believe that the little man/woman should be fined! That is an outrage! So on top of you medical bill you will get a fed. fine. God I only hope the insurance Co's lower the cost. Where is the proof that they will? Funny how the people that are already getting coverage (whatever political party you follow) are the only ones really excited about this issue.

March 25, 2010 - 7:21pm
(reply to Anonymous)

Also... I don't qualify for government help.

March 24, 2010 - 11:24pm

Does any one know how much are you required to pay for the insurance?? I heard if you don't pay then they could fine you and lock you up... which is terrible.

March 22, 2010 - 2:50am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Down with the goverment! down with the facists! Do not let these anti-american crooks hold our country at gunpoint. They have proven themselves traitors to these united states..and only one fate is worthy of treason.

March 21, 2010 - 9:15pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Go look up fascist.

April 22, 2010 - 6:17am
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

Fascist = Corporatists so they're correct.

June 22, 2010 - 7:23pm
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