Uncovering the Truth About the Government's New Health Care Legislation

With the new health care legislation in effect, many people can now realize their dreams to obtain affordable health insurance, regardless of their economic status. It seems really remarkable but it warrants a deeper and thorough investigation for us to be able to understand its real benefits or its hidden disadvantages. Is it really beneficial for every citizen or for just a few individuals? Can we all truly afford it as advertised or is that just a marketing ploy of the government to keep us hoping for nothing?

Active duty military members and families are not affected by this new health care legislation because they are already covered by uniformed services health insurance, otherwise known as Tricare. It is clear in Tricare's web site that they support Executive Order 13410, which empowers customers to pick the right plan for them and their families. The Tricare program advertises and guarantees the following statement on their official domain: "Promoting Quality and Efficient Health Care in Federal Government Administered or Sponsored Health Care Programs." I enjoy the privilege of being affiliated in the Navy Reserve because I am able to register myself and my dependents for health insurance coverage under Tricare Reserve Select--a very affordable health care program available to men and women in uniform and their immediate family members. If only the government provides everyone, military or civilian alike, the same health care benefits, we will not be burdened and overwhelmed by the recent legislative changes in our health care coverage of our present regime under Pres. Obama. Now people are divided and confused as to whether the new health care bill will do justice to the constantly changing needs of every citizen for an affordable yet comprehensive insurance coverage.

The real issue with this new health care legislation is not affordability but sufficient coverage. As we all know, medical providers are not the friendliest people to deal with. There is a price for every doctor's visit and a hefty one for every surgery or even minor health diagnosis. According to Anja Rudiger of Human Rights Now, this market-based reform plan will not hold true to its promise of good health coverage. It is affordable, yes, but the new health care bill does not guarantee that patients will receive treatment for just about anything. After all it is said and done, doctors still prefer to see privately insured individuals than to treat citizens who are covered under the new health care bill, primarily because of the higher premiums they enjoy and earn from the former. For those who think that the government has solved our health care insurance dilemmas, think again. We're not really there yet.

Sources:

Military Health System, "Tricare Transparency in Health Care," Tricare Online

Anja Rudiger, "Dollars and cents of new health care legislation," Human Rights Now