During this month town hall meetings are occurring across South Carolina and the United States to engage citizens on the
topic of real health insurance reform.
Many of these town halls have turned downright ugly. There is an enormous amount
of rhetoric - and a good bit of misinformation - being spread. You need to know the facts.Click here
to visit the "reality check" website launched earlier this week by the White House. Through a series of videos, it answers
critical questions and details the security and stability all Americans will have once we pass meaningful health insurance
reform.
Below, you will find a fact sheet that outlines eight key reasons why reform will benefit all Americans - even
those who already have insurance.
Our country must act now on health insurance reform, but real change never comes easily.
I hope you will arm yourself with the facts and be a constructive voice in this debate by spreading the truth about health
insurance reform to your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Carol Fowler
Chair, South Carolina Democratic Party
Download a PDF of President Obama's 8 Health Insurance Reform Guarantees.
Facts About Health Insurance Reform
Why we need reform:
Over 46 million Americans
have no medical coverage at all, millions more are under-insured or fear losing coverage. If we continue on our current path
health care costs will continue to soar and within the next decade one out of every five dollars will be spent on health care.
This
is unacceptable, the system is broken and we cannot postpone meaningful reform any longer.
What's in it for you:
Your
choice of doctors and plans will be protected, those that are happy with their current coverage can keep it or choose a new
plan - including a public option.
Additionally, everyone will benefit from eight protections that will ensure stability
and security for families across the country.
Coverage Regardless of Pre-Existing Conditions
Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing coverage because of medical history.
An End to Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductible and Co-Pays
Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
Full Coverage for Preventive Care
Insurance companies must fully cover - without charge - regular checkups and tests that help prevent illness, including
mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
No Dropped Coverage for the Seriously Ill
Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or lessening coverage for people who become seriously ill.
No Gender Discrimination
Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging people more because of their gender.
No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage
Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage people receive.
Extended Coverage for Young Adults
Children will be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
Guaranteed Insurance Renewal
Insurance companies will be required to renew a policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full.
Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal if someone becomes sick.
"This isn't about politics. This is about people's lives. This is about people's businesses. This is about our future."
- President Barack Obamawww.scdp.org/health_insurance_reform
