Health Care and Health Insurance Reform Options Now Being Discussed

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Every election year, candidates make promises of sweeping health care and health insurance reform. The proposals this year cover a lot of territory. It is important to understand what some of the very specific projected changes might mean to average Americans.

Currently, prescription costs are among the most important reasons for choosing one health insurance policy over another. One of the hot button issues this year is the fact that Americans are paying far too much for prescription drugs. Both candidates are looking for way to fight these high costs.

Another facet of health insurance that is in the news is transparency of health care costs. This means that when you get your hospital bills, there should be an itemized list of what the actual costs were of the supplies and procedures. Both you and your health insurance company will need to know these facts to prevent being overcharged.

It is important to the presidential candidates this year to deal with malpractice issues between doctors and patients. Health insurance pays for the normal cost of procedures, but when something goes wrong, lawsuits often determine if malpractice insurance will pay. To these candidates, the key is in making it easier to meet the patient's needs without malpractice suits.

Portability is a buzzword this year as well. Health insurance, according to both candidates, needs to be able to follow a person where they go. If they move from job to job, the health insurance should follow along. The worker should not have to start over, dealing with issues like pre-existing conditions and finding the right insurance all over again.

Chronic care has become one of the most widespread health insurance issues of all. About three-fourths of health insurance claims have to do with chronic and long lasting illnesses and diseases. The presidential candidates are determined to address this issue with a focus on better treatment and prevention.

Both candidates agree that both health insurance and the health care industry itself will thrive on improved information technology. It is interesting that many health insurance companies have worked to have top-notch information systems already. These proposed measures would only make it easier for the companies who are now doing their part.

However, the presidential mandates do not agree on what all the important issues are this election year. For instance, McCain wants to help middle class Americans with a $ 5000 tax credit per family and focus on Health Savings Plans more than health insurance. Obama has many plans such as better health insurance for the mentally ill, and research into AIDS and other devastating illnesses.

There are similarities in the subjects of both presidential candidates' plans this year. It is important to learn more about the specific differences within each area of ​​discussion and the general dissimilarity in their overall health insurance and health care schemes.

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