"Starting this year Americans with pre-existing conditions will be able to purchase health ins."

[mzmolly]

President Barack Obama ~ Speaking today (March 19, 2010) at George Mason University.

No four year wait folks! :)

See here for more info >>>>> http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/8040.pdf Thanks to berni_mccoy for the comprehensive info from KFF.org

[Ozymanithrax]

1. This also will cause Insurance companies that continue to

deny coverage for preexisting conditions to loose customers.

It would be great if a movement to change companies from those that deny such coverage to those that cover people, like the movement to change from big banks to local banks, could be started.

[mzmolly]

3. I like the way you think. A boycott for insurance companies

that abuse customers?

[Ozymanithrax]

10. Money is free speech, then taking my money away from abusive Insuranc companies is my free speech.

I am gong to protect my family with health insrance, but I don't have to use abusive companies to do that.

[mzmolly]

12. I just remembered that co.s that are abusive will be removed from the pool.

Good point on free speech!:D

[tridim]

9. It will happen, it's just basic economics.

Companies that play ball will succeed, companies that don't will die a natural capitalist death. Boil it down and it's called competition.

I'm guessing that there will be several new companies popping up soon that will offer great insurance packages at rock bottom prices (low overhead). They will quickly steal customers away from the greedy companies who decide to keep raising premiums.

[mzmolly]

13. I hope it

pans out as you suggest tridim. :hi:

[GodlessBiker]

2. When he says "Americans" does he mean "children"?

[mzmolly]

4. No, he said adults and children

specifically.

[DURHAM D]

5. Do we know the maximum level they can be "rated up"? nt

[mzmolly]

6. There is a max percentage of income, but the first four years

involve access to a government plan. I haven't a clue on the specifics yet.

[mzmolly]

7. Thanks for those who are reccing to get accurate info out, regardless of opinion on the legislation.

:hi:

[Berry Cool]

8. And you know what else? They'll need to compete for customers.

Here's where the good side of capitalism kicks in. Sure, they may have refused these people in the past because they didn't want to have to pay off if or when things happen to these people. But even they are not stupid enough to completely pass by the opportunity to sell something that will be in high demand. And you know what companies do when several of them are offering something that's in high demand: they compete. They offer lower prices or more affordable payment plans; they offer different products based on what people are willing or able to pay; they stop regarding their potential market as an amorphous blob of undesirables and start regarding them as individuals with needs that can be addressed.

These things are not bad. They will not solve the entire problem of health insurance, but for now, some people will benefit.

[mzmolly]

11. Love the avatar.

And the input of course. :hi:

[quiet.american]

14. Yep. Here it is in writing, too, in the bill's Immediate Benefits summary:

http://docs.house.gov/energycommerce/IMMEDIATE_PROVISIONS.pdf

High risk insurance pool:
Page 2, Item 12

Children cannot be denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions:
Page 1, Item 6

[mzmolly]

15. You were right all along Q.A.

:hi:

Thanks very much for this info, early on.

[quiet.american]

16. Mzmolly, many thanks for that shout-out. :) nt

:fistbump: :kick:

[mzmolly]

17. Thank YOU.

It's sad to see the myths that are circulating here with such enthusiasm.

[Clio the Leo]

18. thanks! NT

[LatteLibertine]

19. As I understand it

unless things have changed, they can still deny folks. They will get hit with a 3-5k fine for doing so. Did that change? If not I can see many insurers accepting the fine rather than the applicant.

[mzmolly]

21. The immediate coverage is via governmnent high risk

pools.

I don't know what the fines will be, but I do know that we retain the right to refuse access to companies who abuse customers.

[Kablooie]

20. Little Americans. Little Americans of limited years. Little Americans of advanced years can wait.

[mzmolly]

22. All "Litte Americans"

are covered immediately. ;)

[phleshdef]

23. Wrong. There is an interim pool being setup for ALL who are getting denied for a pre-existing...

...condition to be able to get it through the government, using this pool. Try to spin it any way you want, ask all the BS doubtful questions you want, the bottom line truth IS that this bill provides immediate access to medical coverage for people who can't get covered because of a pre-existing condition, PERIOD, no 2 ways about it.

[jtrockville]

24. Would be better if they were given CARE, but it's a start.