Bringing down the cost

Why do so many people think little or no good about the new universal health care (or health care reform) law, otherwise known as Obamacare? Is it because the law’s principle nemesis – Republicans – are the only ones speaking out and loud, and against the law? Although opponents of Obamacare have no valid arguments against the law that will benefit a great majority of the population – especially those who are uninsured or underinsured or poor – they are the only ones that are being heard.

The U.S. was probably the only civilized country in the world that didn’t have universal health care until Obamacare was enacted, fortunately before the Republican Party took control of the House of Representatives. With this new law, those who don’t have coverage will be able to purchase a health plan through exchanges. Those who earn up to four times the federal poverty level ($45,960 for a single person this year) will earn tax credits to help pay for their health insurance; those who earn up to 133% of the poverty level ($15,282 this year) will be allowed to enroll in Medicaid. Certain small businesses will also be able to apply for tax credits if they provide coverage for their workers.

Obamacare is good for both big and small business and the working class, and more especially for the poor. It gives businesses – including small ones – the opportunity to purchase health insurance for their workers in the open market. It also gives the working class citizen the choice of opting out of their employer-sponsored health coverage in order to buy affordable health insurance for themselves and their families in the open market.

Obamacare creates insurance marketplaces where health care providers compete for clients. People can then comparison-shop in these marketplaces for the best affordable coverage and not be forced to choose between their employers’ coverage and no coverage. The Obamacare health insurance exchanges which are scheduled to open starting October 1 this year will also provide an opportunity for those in need to obtain financial assistance for their health insurance premiums.