Who will benefit from American healthcare reform?

Healthcare reform has been a wonderful dream which has not been realized in American history. The 7 ex-presidents like, Roosevelt, Bill Clinton had taken measures to implement healthcare reform, but they all failed due to the obstruction of different special interest groups. Now, the healthcare reform in terms of Obama and the Democrats is undoubtedly a political gamble. If successful, Obama will achieve the dream of several Presidents who did effort to reform healthcare problem but failed to realize that dream.

After nearly 11 long hours of debate and voting, the Congress passed the final version of the healthcare Reform Bill. This means that American healthcare reform has made crucial progress. However, does it mention that the measure can make healthcare more affordable, enlarge the range of health system and reduce the difficulty of medical treatment? Then, who benefits from the reform and how does it affect American people’s lives?

Center for American Progress and healthcare reform expert, Igor Ivanovich told Xinhua News Agency that the healthcare reform would re-structure the U.S. health insurance system to ensure it is accessible to all, to all citizens.Undoubtedly, those who do not have health insurance will be the biggest beneficiaries of medical reform. Currently, about 46 million people do not own health insurance and this measure will give 32 million people healthcare insurance, so that healthcare coverage will expand from 85% to 95%. It will be a historic progress. There is only one step to make all American people insured.

After the implementation of healthcare reform, the United States will establish a state-based health insurance exchanges, in which small businesses and individuals can enjoy the same benefits of the premium rate as big company employees or federal employees do through joint bargaining. Meanwhile, small businesses who buy health insurance for employees will also enjoy the government's tax relief. At the same time, as an important source of funding healthcare reform, the government will impose personal income tax on higher income groups and levy consumption tax on high insurance policy.

As for the insurance industry, it will be greatly affected by the reform. The reform bill strengthens regulation of the insurance industry and prescribes the several requirements. Such as, No.1 insurance company can not refused the insured or charge exorbitant premiums because of his history of disease. No.2 insurance company can not terminate insurance contract on its side after discovering the illness of insured.

According to the statistics from the Congressional Budget Office, medical reform bill would reduce government deficit about the 138 billion U.S. dollars in the first 10 years, about 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars in the second 10 years. But Republicans and some civilians doubt the result. In their view, although healthcare reform will help reduce the deficit in the long term, it could lead to further deterioration to government financial situation in the short term.

Different interests groups may have different views on healthcare reform. From the civilian view, it is high time to implement the reform to enjoy better lives. They are watching the progress.

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