Saying ‘No’ Isn’t an Answer to the Problems Our Country Faces

The passage of comprehensive health insurance reform legislation by the House of Representatives this week means accessible and affordable health care are now within reach. From the day I took office, I have fought for health insurance reform. The cost of doing nothing is simply too high. For those of us fortunate to have coverage, our premiums have been skyrocketing. Everyone knows someone whose insurance company refused to pay for treatment their doctor ordered, or dropped their coverage altogether when they got sick and needed it most. This legislation ends these abuses, and offers real and immediate benefits.

Here are four of the most important things you should know about the health insurance reform bill. 1) Nothing in this legislation will come between you and your doctor. If you like your doctor, you may continue to receive their care. 2) In six months, insurance companies will be banned from dropping your coverage if you get sick. 3) Insurance companies will also be banned from placing lifetime caps on the amount of health care coverage you can receive. 4) Finally, insurance plans will be banned from capping the amount of health care coverage you can receive each year. No longer will an insurance company tell you, ‘Sorry, you’ve hit your limit. Come back next year.’

There are real benefits for seniors too. The so-called Medicare prescription drug “donut hole” will begin to close. If you hit that hole this year, you’ll receive a $250 rebate. Next year, the cost of brand-name drugs in the donut hole will be cut 50 percent. In a few years, the hole will close completely. At the start of next year, Medicare recipients will receive free preventative care—no co-payments; no deductibles.

If you own a small business, you will soon receive a tax credit of up to 35 percent of premiums for employee coverage. If you’re a young adult, starting in six months, you’ll be able to remain on your parents’ insurance policy until your 26th birthday. If you’ve been denied coverage in the past, there will be a “high risk” pool for you to join so that you can finally purchase insurance. In 6 months, no child can be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition. As of 2014, this will apply to everyone.

This is only a partial list. There are many other provisions that will kick-in over time. My web site, www.johnhall.house.gov, offers a wealth of information. You can contact my office if you need help with Medicare or Medicaid or any other federal program or agency.

You may have questions about the cost of this bill. There’s good news here, too. It will cut the federal deficit by $138 billion in the first ten years, and by $1.2 trillion in the second decade. It keeps Medicare strong and healthy for years to come. According to state estimates, this bill will save New York more than $1 billion a year in Medicaid funding.

The battle to pass this legislation was fraught with misinformation and scare tactics. That’s why I’m committed to helping Hudson Valley residents find out the truth. Every American should have access to the best health care in the world. Saying “No,” isn’t an answer to the problems our country faces. This bill demonstrates that we as a nation can say “Yes,” and come together to solve the big challenges we face. Today, with the passage of this legislation, we are on our way to becoming a healthier people, and a stronger nation.

Rep. John Hall, a Democrat from Dover Plains, is the Congressman for New York’s 19th District. He is seeking reelection this fall.