A recently released health report by Families USA, says that the current version of the House health reform bill, will see over 1.8 million Floridians gain coverage in 2013 and 3 million by 2019.
The Report entitled, Coverage For America: We All Stand To Gain, examined the House bill known as ‘America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009’ and concludes that it includes measures that will significantly expand access to high-quality affordable coverage.
Based on the most current Census Bureau data on the uninsured, Families USA, apportioned this across the states and determined that five states will have the largest gains in coverage. These are: Illinois, New York, Florida, Texas and California.
The Report makes clear that the House Bill would cover millions of Americans by ensuring access for all, including making premiums affordable, strengthening Medicaid and reforming the insurance market.
In ensuring access for all, the Reports points out that the House bill would require insurers to offer coverage to every person who applies, regardless of health status, age or gender.
Moreover premiums will become affordable on account of the creation of a new health insurance market place, where everyone can purchase quality coverage. The new market place, known as a health insurance “exchange”, the House Bill will provide subsidies to help make premiums affordable.
In their examination of the House Bill, Families USA, also found that, the reform of the insurance market will help guarantee coverage at a fair price, as insurers will no longer be able to charge exorbitant premiums to people who have pre-existing conditions. In other words, insurers will be required to sell coverage to every American at a fair price.
Families USA concludes their review of the House bill by observing that, if nothing is done to reduce the number of uninsured and the uncompensated care that is provided to them, premiums will continue to increase and more people will be priced out of coverage. In their view, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act promises quality, affordable coverage for all.
