Important Information!

Here are some important readings that I summarized.  Its great information that can help you further your knowledge!


Small Business Briefing on Health Insurance Reform
       This is a summary of an interview between Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Small Business Association Administrator Karen Mills about how the health reform effects small businesses.  Mills states that in this country we have many people wanting to create a successful business on their own, but you can't leave your employer because you can't afford a policy on your own.  It takes some small business owners years before they can get health coverage for their employers and do not think they are successful until they do so.  Some small business owners state that they are living the American dream, but to them it is a nightmare. Each tiny change in the economy they feel much larger.  This reading gives you a better sense of how small business owners feel and gives you exact expressions.  I would read this to help get other opinions and feelings on the subject.

Lower Premiums Stronger Businesses
It is projected by 2025 one in every four dollars will be spent on health care.  This cuts into employee pay and deter hiring and business.   On average small businesses pay 18% more than larger firms and companies for health insurance policies. This high amount discourages them from covering their employees and sometimes is nearly impossible for them to provide.  The health reform will help lower premiums for smaller businesses in four ways.  It creates a health insurance exchange, provides a small business a tax credit, it ends the hidden tax on small businesses that provide coverage, and lastly prevents arbitrary premium hikes. This is a longer reading but has great information on how this new reform will effect small businesses in a positive way.

Preventing Diseases Before They Happen
 This discusses how Americans spend the most on health care yet do not live longer.  We need to start providing more preventative care so that we can avoid needed so much health care.  It is a short read but a great perspective on how wellness and prevention promotion can help health issues Americans seem to face.

Health Insurance Reform and Medicare
This report is great at stating the problems with medicare today and exactly the solutions the health insurance reform will provide.  It states that the reform will improve quality of care, reduce costs for those on medicare, and make sure it is a lasting program. Eliminating the overpayments the government has been giving private insurance companies will greatly improve the program and prevent bankruptcy. This elimination could save the Federal government, taxpayers, and Medicare beneficiaries well over $100 billion over the next 10 years. This will extend the life of the Medicare Trust Fund and make sure that Medicare is always there for America’s seniors. Reform will also ensure that medicare dollars go toward improving the quality of care for all seniors, rather than to support private insurance companies.  This is great information for those who do not know what is currently happening with medicare and how the reform will help improve it.

Fighting Back Against Cancer: Health Insurance Reform and Cancer in America
Cancer affects approximately 11 million Americans in our nation making it a very important health concern.  Someone who is diagnosed with cancer does not immediately think of the cost of treatment, yet it is one of the most important things.  Cancer is one of the five most costly medical conditions in the United States so they now must make important financial decisions about their health.  5% of individuals with cancer report delaying treatment due to financial reasons and no one should have to decide between their health and paying their rent.  Those with cancer frequently must make financial decisions and not on what is best for their health. By making health insurance accessible those with cancer will be less burdened by their finances and can make the right choice for their health and not their wallets.