Health Care Bill Pros and Cons

In 2009 I was very much in support of Health Care reform but as I listened to both sides including the big government argument from the Republicans my support turned into doubt and eventually I became disenchanted with a bill that included bribes at the taxpayers expense.

But now that Health Care Reform bill has passed, I want to hope for the best but expect the worst. I mean I have had more less than enjoyable experiences waiting in line at the Post Office and DMV than at my children's pediatrician office and to put that into perspective I have four kids. At any rate it's worth taking a look at both the pros and cons in this new bill. President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law on Tuesday, March 23.

Although it remains to be seen just how all these laws will end up working and who they work the best for. Either way you can expect change, some for the better and some for the worse. We did vote for change when we elected Obama. How well that change ends up working for hard working Americans will remain to be seen. The following is what is being reported on by the Media and Government at large.

Health Care Reform Pros:

No More Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage - If you have a major illness or serious disease you will no longer be capped out on coverage at $500,000 or whatever your current policy is. This is great news for millions who worry about losing coverage and footing the bill for cancer or other long-term diseases.

No more Pre Existing Conditions - If you pick up new health care insurance from an employer or through an individual policy, you cannot be denied based on a pre existing condition. This seems like a no-brainer but this is how many insurers made billions on denials of the sick while collecting big on healthy.

Smaller Premiums for individuals and small businesses - The larger your group the cheaper your monthly premium is. Large companies and unions receive the best rates because they pay more as a whole. The unemployed, self-employed and small businesses will be pooled as a large group and receive a better premium.

Tax Breaks & Subsidies for families under a specific annual income - Families will get a tax break each year based on their income to offset premiums and families of four who make less than $88K annually will receive a subsidy to pay for their premiums.

Medicaid Expansion for adults who live in or near poverty.

Health Care Reform Cons:

Coverage for older children up to the age of 26 - There is no requirement for these "children" to be a current college student or even have attended college ever. Yet we are now calling 26 year olds without a job or education a child. This will just put more burden on parents and be less of an incentive for young adults to be proactive in working full time. There should be a condition just like child support laws dictate support if attending school.

Mandated Coverage - Just like your auto insurance you will be required by law to carry health insurance or face legal repercussions. This is yet another freedom taken from Americans and another monthly expense that nickels and dimes you to death. Just like auto insurance, the masses will be forced to pay for fraud and scams that go on everyday in the insurance industry.

Expanded Medicaid Coverage - Medicaid is already facing major shortfalls and adding more will burden a fragile system.

Doctors who will leave the medical field - Many doctors are already leaving the medical field due to the administrative overhead of health insurance. With politics and bureaucracy in the picture the list of available, good doctors may become very bleak.

Another government ran office - The government is not efficient, nor do they worry about job security hence long lines, poor customer service, and frustrated Americans. Do not expect anything different from the new Health Care ran offices of the government than you do of the IRS, Post Office and DMV. It's really scary to think about someone like the bitter lady at the DMV talking to you about your child's upcoming surgery while texting someone and chomping on gum. Start taking your vitamins and eating right today.

To see a list of which Democrats voted against the Health Care bill visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/22/democrats-who-voted-again_n_508484.html