The Hope for Health Care Reform

The costs of health care in the United States will continue to rise if changes are not made. On both the state and federal levels, health care costs take up a significant percentage of budget allowances. It is estimated that the United States spends almost $8,000 per person a year on health care costs, or in total, 2.2 trillion dollars. This is only expected to rise if changes are not made.

Revamping and Creating a Modern Healthcare system.

Americans spend a good portion of their hard earned money on the high cost of health care each year. Many families are only an accident or health debilitating illness away from financial despair.

Consider this: the health insurance premiums employers pay directly reduces the amount of take-home pay for the employee.

The Obama Administration has been trying to make changes, but has been met with opposition for many reasons. Change is hard and it's not possible for any one person to have the answer. The Obama Administration instituted a temporary provision that allows Americans who have been terminated from employment to pay COBRA at a reduced rate of 35% of the traditional cost. While effective for those that were terminated between September 1, 2008 and February 28, 2010, this legislation is only temporary and will not be available to workers terminated after February 28, 2010 if it is not extended.

The Obama Administration is also pushing for the computerization of America's health records within a five year period. Paper records are more prone to error and more difficult to reproduce. With computerized record keeping, medical records will be available more readily and help streamline information sharing, reducing both waste and costs.

Investing in Wellness

Wellness is not given for many Americans. Poor diets, lack of exercise and smoking lead to many chronic, debilitating illnesses that could be prevented with quality wellness care. As Americans, we need to take responsibility for our actions and we lose the right to complain if we do not take action against the things that hurt us.

Although good health should be reward enough for healthy living, the Obama Administration has devoted one billion dollars in the Recovery Act in order to provide Americans with prevention and wellness support.