by Suzanne Mathews

Created on: March 21, 2010   Last Updated: March 22, 2010

Today marks the day the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on what is being called a landmark legislation, health care reform. It has been said, the health care reform bill will bring health insurance to millions of Americans who currently do not have health care insurance. Yet, the debate continues between the Democratic and Republican Party, with the Republican Party opposing the health care reform bill, and there are some Democrats who remain undecided on the bill.

In a summary called “The President’s Health Care Bill”, the first sentence promises to “…put  American families and small business owners in control their own health care”. What is not to like about that, considering many insurance companies are refusing to provide coverage or have priced insurance premiums so high making it virtually impossible to afford. 

The health care reform bill also addresses the Medicare prescription drug program where the coverage gap known as the “donut hole” has caused millions of senior citizens go without their prescriptions because they have met the “donut hole” thus forcing senior citizens to pay full price for their prescriptions. The health care reform bill promises to close this coverage gap and create prevision to reduce Medicare and Medicaid fraud.

Further, the health care reform bill promises to increase tax credit for health insurance premiums. The House proposes 1.5% for families of four with income $22,000 to $29,000, compared to the Senate and the President’s proposal of 2% and increases for higher income families. 

Many are concerned the tax credits will increase the deficit; perhaps, this is why the included the penalty for toughs who do not purchase health care insurance.

Even if the bill passes the Senate and the House must settle the differences of three issues surrounding the bill beginning with financing; the health care reform bill will require revenue, which will come from a 5.4 percent surcharge on the wealthy.

Another issue is public option, which concerns many about a government-run insurance plan that contradicts the promises of an American controlled health care plan. Lastly, the health care reform bill touches on the non-coverage for abortion, which is a touchy subject in itself.  

With the countdown coming down to its final hour, many protesters and demonstrators have resorted to racial name calling and spitting.  However, even with all the oppositions, name-calling and spitting, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus is confident that they have the votes and history is in the making for this landmark legislation.

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