Sunday, October 24, 2010

Health Care Overhaul Depends on States’ Insurance Exchanges

Health Care policy enacted by President Obama and the Congressional Budget Office predict that 24 million people will be insured by 2019. In order to successfully insure the American people, "insurance exchanges" that act as a shopping entities that organize a variety of plans suitable to different families are necessary. States such as Utah and Massachusetts have been the first to act upon such insurance exchanges. In Utah, employees of small businesses can go to a state Web site and sign up for insurance over the Internet, searching for the the plan that is most suitable. In Massachusetts, people typically file paper applications for subsidized coverage offered by one of five state-approved insurers. Massachusetts has had a government-run "insurance marketplace" for four years. The states along with federal government are working toward similar systems so consumers and employers can make knowledgeable and realistic comparisons. The White House has provided $49 million to states to help them set up exchanges.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/health/policy/24exchange.html?_r=1&ref=us&pagewanted=print

2 comments:

  1. To predict that over 24 million people will have health insurance by 2019 is not justifiable. Everybody should not have to have health insurance, and everybody cannot afford it. Insurance exchangs are a good idea and they seem as if they will be a good option for some families but what about the families and people who will still be out of work by then? American Government should evaluate the amount of people who are willing to pay for this.

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  2. I understand what the government is doing and, while I may not agree with it, I still find it hard to understand how they are doing it. 49 million dollars for 50 states.. Less than 1 million for each to establish such a monumental setup for the exchanges. I think this is ridiculous. I am never one to promote higher spending but if it is to be done it need be done right the first time.

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