HEALTH-CARE REFORMS OF US PRESIDENT OBAMA

The Health-Care Reforms of US President Obama

The Health-Care Reforms of US President Obama

Introduction

Obama will undoubtedly be thought of as a new kind of president, separated from his predecessors. During his campaign, Obama had many goals and promises for the American people, among them universal healthcare, a safe and successful end to the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and economic reform to benefit the masses. Such grandiose things as he said garnered a wave of dewy-eyed passionates to his cause, which isn't surprising given the nature of his platform. However, much more common were the average working class men and women who took all he said with a grain of salt, which is more respectable than the alternative.

Obama, who has made healthcare reform a top legislative priority, said he would insist Congress pass a plan to control skyrocketing costs and cut the number of uninsured. But he added "we have not drawn lines in the sand" on other issues. "The public plan, I think, is an important tool to discipline insurance companies," Obama told a White House news conference. "I think there is going to be some healthy debate about the shape that this takes." (Himmelstein DU, Thorne D, Warren E, Woolhandler, 2010, 45-76)

The United States spends some $2.5 trillion annually on healthcare, about 16 percent of gross domestic product, but trails many developed countries on important measures of health. Some 47 million Americans are uninsured and have little access to the healthcare system.

Obama, who promised reform during his presidential campaign, has stepped up his efforts to sell the public on his proposals, holding a series of speeches and meetings, including one at the White House set for Wednesday night.

In an interview with ABC's "Good Morning America" to be aired on Wednesday, Obama said he "absolutely" believed Congress would pass healthcare reform this year because "the American people understand it has to get done." (Himmelstein DU, Thorne D, Warren E, Woolhandler, 2010, 45-76)

Explanation

He has proposed allowing those who do not have insurance through their employers and who cannot afford to buy it privately to purchase it from a marketplace where private insurers and a public insurance plan would compete. "A government plan option -- in any form -- is unnecessary to achieve comprehensive reform and would have devastating consequences on the health insurance coverage," said the letter from the heads of America's Health Insurance Plans and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Republicans and private insurance companies have raised concerns over a public plan, arguing it would lead to a government takeover of the entire U.S. healthcare system and drive private insurance companies out of business.

Obama rejected that notion at his news conference. (Himmelstein DU, Thorne D, Warren E, Woolhandler, 2010, 45-76)

"If private insurers say that the marketplace provides the best quality health care; if they tell us that they're offering a good deal, then why is it that the government, which they say can't run anything, suddenly is going to drive them out ...