Private Health Insurance with the Reform
The Impact of Health Care Reform on Individual Health Coverage
Sep 14, 2009
Obama's health care reform plan seeks to mend the problems found in the health care system, such as the reality that many Americans are without coverage, and are unable to obtain it from private insurance agencies, because of the potential clients' financial statuses and health conditions. The public option is proposed to offer a choice to those who cannot afford insurance as it is, but many feel that it could force clients who are covered away from private insurers. The fear here is that this might damage the insurance industry, and limit choice among consumers. However, the plan allows that choice of policies is for no one but the consumer to decide.
Individual Health Coverage with Reform
Certain people today are unable to access coverage because of financial status or health conditions. Others may have affordable coverage, but dislike the conditions or rates of their policies. Many other Americans are happily insured by private agencies. The health care reform plan is not intended to affect the latter Americans, however, the former two groups (those who cannot afford coverage, and those who dislike their insurers' policies) may resort to the public option plan. The choice is up to the consumer with the reform plan, and it is likely that many individuals will choose private firms instead of the government-sponsored program.
The Impact of Health Care Reform on Individuals who are Insured
Individuals who are insured already need not be affected by the reform, if enacted. Many people may trust their private insurance agencies, and their is nothing in the plan concerned with forcing people from their insurers. There is only a concern for everyone's ability to maintain, or gain health insurance. However, their are many people who are not satisfied with their policies, particularly in areas where particular agencies have virtually monopolized the market. In such areas, dominant agencies may raise rates, and force policies onto people, as there is little choice among agencies. The government-run program would be an option for people who find themselves in such situations.
Small Businesses and Their Individual Employees
Small businesses presently pay higher rates for health coverage for their employees than larger businesses and firms do, and the reform will include governmental sponsorship of some of the insurance coverage that small businesses receive. Small businesses would still be free to choose favorable policies if the current plan is followed, and with lower rates (because of federal aid to these companies regarding coverage) payrolls may increase. For small businesses that do not offer employees coverage, the federal assistance would help businesses find affordable plans. Businesses would also be able to use the public option plan. Employees of businesses that do not offer coverage would be free to choose from the available private insurers, or, like anyone else, they would be able to resort to the public option.
With the reform plan, choosing policies and agencies is entirely up to the consumer. Private health insurance agencies may be selected by individuals or businesses, or, people may resort to the public plan. The goal of the reform is to offer everyone coverage, but also to keep health insurance options private. Individuals and businesses alike may choose whatever policies they please, from public or private institutions.
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