I am a cancer
survivor, member of an ethnic minority, a recent college graduate, and a first
generation American. My parents are small business owners, victims of gun
violence, beneficiaries of student loans and unemployment benefits, and have
lived through almost every socio-economic sector of our economy.
We
understand the potential this country has to offer. We understand that
government can be seen as a partner of business, a promoter of economic growth,
and a protector of justice. We understand that regulation is not always bad,
and that capitalism can serve to benefit the middle class. We understand that
this country needs equality of opportunity, not outcome.
And
that is precisely why we are such strong supporters of the Affordable Care Act
(Obamacare).
As
most of the major provisions begin to phase in within the year, it is even more
important to understand the law and its significance.
First
and foremost, this reform treats healthcare as a business by putting
customers first.
One of
the biggest problems in our healthcare system was that it forgot about its customers:
the patient.
Even
though Obamacare helps doctors (which is why organizations like the American Medical Association, the American College of
Physicians, and the American College of Surgeons endorse it) and insurance
companies (by adding over 30 million new clients to their system), its primary
purpose is to help those who need medical care the most and are unable to
afford it.
And
it does just that:
- 3 million young people under 26 are now able to stay
on their parents’ insurance, and an additional 3 million are now able to join
their parents’ plans after previously having no insurance
-17 million children with pre-existing conditions now have
insurance that couldn’t before
-Prevents insurance companies from dropping coverage (previously
over 10,000 people a year had their policies rescinded after getting sick
because they reached their lifetime caps)
-About 71 million people now have access to free preventative
care, keeping them healthy (which also saves taxpayers in ER costs)
-Private insurers are required by the law to spend at least
80 percent of their premium revenues on actual healthcare, or must pay a
rebate. In 2012, insurers had to pay $1billion in rebates, an average of $150
per family.
After all that is said and done, politics is very personal.
And the laws passed by our lawmakers, whether we agree with them or not, affect
real people. We must, therefore, take time to learn and understand the laws for
what they are, and realize the significance they have in our lives.
