Health Insurance & Money

Once again Medicare’s annual open enrollment time is upon our senior citizens. This year the enrollment runs from November 15th through December 31st.

On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed the healthcare reform bill, formally known as HR3962, The Affordable Health Care for America Act.

While some were applauding passage of the Health Reform bill in the House and President Obama called it “historic,” one thing that may be historic about the reform package, if it passes the Senate and they get what they want as well, are the hidden taxes consumers will be paying, and not just wealthy consumers.

For uninsured Americans, passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act means access to affordable and quality health care. The health reform bill will not cover abortions. Out of pocket spending limit is set at 5000 dollars annually. The bill includes tax subsidies for those below poverty level and expands Medicaid, and includes fines for employers who do not offer health insurance and for individuals without health care insurance.

After several months of hard work, the Democrats have pushed through the passage of the health care reform bill with a vote of 220 to 215.

The House is currently expected to vote on the passage of the health care reform bill tonight.

Five million children who are eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) have not been enrolled, noted HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in Chicago on November 6 at the National Children’s Health Insurance Summit, and she is asking states and communities to help change that.

Just before the House of Representatives plans to vote on health reform, the Democrats have seen a boost for their proposals. Yesterday, two prominent organizations expressed their support for healthcare reform. The AARP (American Association for Retired Persons), which is the United States' leading lobbying group for senior citizens, has decided to back the Democratic bill.

According to many Democrats, their healthcare reform bill has the potential to lower health insurance premiums for consumers.

New report makes it clear: North Carolina delegation’s vote for House bill is a vote for families and small businesses over health insurance companies.