One media source is trying to explain health care reform. Too bad the rest ignore it.

[sinkingfeeling]

http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/columnist/block/2010-09-28-yourmoney28_ST_N.htm

If you've lost your job or decided to go into business for yourself, you're probably well aware of the difference between group and individual insurance plans. Unlike employer-provided group plans, individual plans can turn away people with pre-existing medical conditions. Some individual plans exclude things routinely covered by group plans, such as pregnancy. Others have annual and lifetime limits that could cover only a fraction of the cost of a serious illness.

Provisions of the health care reform law that took effect Sept. 23 prohibit some of the industry's most controversial practices. If you have an individual insurance plan or are in the market for one, here's a look at changes that could affect your coverage:

[daa]

1. You lost your job and you can afford that how???

Did you miss the 20% premium hikes? A very recent poll shows 2/3 still wanted universal care. We still need HEALTH CARE not health insurance reform that no one can afford. Its not fucking affordable, its prohibitive.

[sinkingfeeling]

4. Ah, I see, since the reform that took place 9/23 doesn't apply to your situation, it shouldn't be

mentioned?

[Bluenorthwest]

7. If it only helps the affluent due to being too costly

that needs to be mentioned as well. Most Americans are very concerned with the cost of health care, and that is because it is far too costly. That is very important.
How did the reform help you, personally? That is the information that would matter. Actual experiences. DUers should post them if they have them.

[sinkingfeeling]

10. Helps me because my insurance can no longer be rescinded due to my cancer.

[daa]

12. Then you happen to be very lucky that you

can afford the cost of insurance and the cost of care not covered by insurance. Lucky you. Most people I know lose their job and can[t afford 600-800 for COBRA let alone 1200-1500 for insurance, not health care, insurance. Its still 20% increases a year and Obama whining you better not do that insurance companies.

[speppin]

6. It is the "affordable" in the title of the bill that is deceiving.

[elleng]

2. Thanks for info.

[Fumesucker]

3. Health *care* reform could have been explained in three words..

"Everyone gets Medicare"..

Health _insurance_ reform is a totally different animal with a totally different aim, shoveling as much money as possible to the insurance companies, any actual health care anyone gets is completely incidental to that purpose.

[Supersedeas]

9. health care derivative incidental to the Insurance Profits reform act?

[Fumesucker]

11. Insurance Profits Enhancement and Guarantee Act..

That would be a more accurately descriptive name.

[Winterblues]

5. What in the new bill keeps rates from continuing to go up, up, up, and away?

Without single payer or the very least a public option there is nothing to prevent prices from rising so high as to be unaffordable to many...even with Government subsidies......

[Fumesucker]

8. Strongly worded letters..

Lots of strongly worded letters..