The Hill

Health Care Passed

Julia Newman

On Monday March 22, 2010 President Barack Obama’s long awaited health care bill was signed into effect. The following are changes that will be seen immediately from the bill:

• Health care companies will not be able to put a cap on your plan (this is important if you fall ill with something such as cancer and the medical bills are steep)
• $5 billion is set aside to temporarily help the uninsured who are sick (this is only till 2014 when a new system kicks in)
• Insurers are required to provide coverage for children up to the age of 26.
• Seniors who fall into a specific category will be given $250 to help pay for prescription drugs.

The following are changes that will be seen by 2014:

• Exchanges with small business will be created, making it impossible to turn away people with pre-existing conditions.
• If the Senate approves the House changes then a fine will be created for those who do not buy coverage. Although this would not apply to poorer Americans (those making $88,000 annually)
• Medicaid will cover more people.
• Tax credits will be made available to help pay premiums

The Health Care Bill should be approached as an unpartisan issue. This is not about being a Democrat or Republican, everyone should look at the bill and how it will effect them.

• Tax credits: Credits that reduce a person's tax liability by an amount equal to the tax credits.
• Premiums: Payments