In
recent response to the the governments plans of changing the health
care system some might find themselves being forced to pay for
insurance or having to pay a fine for not having any. As of January
1st, 2014, health care in the United States will take a
turn that effects all of its citizens and occupants. Some might find
these changes as a burden while others find it as a stepping stone
for the US. Many other countries have a health care system that
provides services for all of its citizens, ensuring that the nation
as a whole is in good health or can receive the health care they need
while the United States currently offers it only to those who can
afford it or are qualified to receive it from the government. Some of
the changes that will be put into place, according to
www.healthcare.gov, will be the requirement that all US citizens have
insurance, there will be an insurance marketplace, and more tax
credits to individuals who need it.
In
2014, there will no longer be discrimination due to per-existing
conditions or gender, ensuring that insurance companies can not
refuse to sell coverage or renew policies because of an individuals
pre-existing conditions. This can be seen as a benefit to the health
care system because so many times citizens are faced with the need
for health care but no means to pay for it since they are faced with
tragic illnesses such as cancer. Citizens might argue that the
acceptance of a wide variety of customers will decrease the quality
of care in the health care facilities but it's evident to others that
with this new change there will be a decreased need for care because
the populations health as a whole is going to increase.
In
addition to no discrimination the health care system will now be
making it mandatory for individuals in the US to have health care
insurance (Kaiser Health
Reform). One might argue that the
requirement to have health care is too much for 2014 but others see
it as a step closer to a healthier United States. Those who do not
buy their own insurance will pace penalties, according to the health
care website, “tax credits are being put in place to make it easier
for the middle class to afford insurance” and in addition to making
it affordable they are making it possible to pay through reduced cost
sharing which includes co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles.
The government is doing everything in its power to make this new and
approved Affordable Care Act one that is appealing to everyone.
The
government is also creating a marketplace where “Individuals
and small businesses can buy affordable and qualified health benefit
plans in the new transparent and competitive insurance marketplace”
(Affordable Care Act). What the people of our country would like
about this part of the new act is that by allowing individuals the
freedom to see all possible options it's putting the control back
into the citizens hands. So although there is the mandatory insurance
for everyone, the government is changing the rules in order to make
it favorable to everyone.
Through
tax credits, the elimination of policy cancelations and acceptance
for all the people of the United States will soon see that the
changes coming to us in 2014 are going to create a safer environment
full of healthy people. No plan is perfect and accommodating changes
will most likely rise when 2014 comes around, but for now the
Affordable Care Act can be seen as a step towards a better future.
"Affordable
Care Act." Health Care.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services,
Web.
12 Mar. 2013.
"Kaiser
Health Reform." Implementation
Timeline - Kaiser Health Reform.
Kaiser Permanente,
Web.
12 Mar. 2013.
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