Republican vs. Democrat on Health Care Reform

Republican vs. Democrat on Health Care Reform

Introduction

The President Barack Obama fulfilled one of his main campaign promises by passing a major reform of the health system which is known as Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The United States is one of the countries that spend the most money per capita for health care. However, about 45 million Americans do not have health insurance, a situation that President Barack Obama promised to correct during his election in 2008. Several other Presidents' before him have tried to improve the healthcare system; however, they were unsuccessful in enacting it. The most recent attempt Democrat Bill by Clinton, in 1993, had resulted in a resounding failure. The project of a major reform still remains in the air for several reasons, including significant growth in costs to businesses, which constitutes a serious obstacle to their competitiveness. Different aspects of reform - accessibility standards, cover type, the respective roles of public and private etc., are under consideration before the government does not make its plan. Although, it does not contain all the desired items by Obama, ten million citizens are still not covered which arouses strong reactions (Stolberg 2010, pp. A19).

Opponents are worried about the expected costs are growing and will occupy the government in the health field. This reform is proposed when United States is struggling with high unemployment, which is a result of the economic crisis. Republicans rally against the Obama plan, but the Democrats use their majority to win votes in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Public opinion remains divided and there are voices to challenge the constitutionality of the new law. Overall, the observers are generally agreed that the President has won a significant historic victory.

Discussion

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ...