Highlights
Did you say Obama Reform Plan?Thursday, March 04, 2010 By Sarah Arnao
“If someone was to ask you what the significance of health insurance was would you be able to answer the question completely?” I asked, sophomore Ainsely Pilz. In a definite answer she replied “no”. I asked the same question to four other teenagers: Devin Caron, age 18, Lisell Perez- Rogers, age 17, Jessica Goldstein, age 18, and Bianca Covello, age 16. Out of five teenagers that I interviewed, four admitted to not knowing the importance of health insurance. Three said they weren’t sure of the health plan their family had, and all five had no clue about the Obama Health Plan that is currently in the works. This is extremely alarming. Knowing the importance of health insurance is vital. If President Barack Obama succeeds to pass his universal health care plan our generation will be most affected by this extreme alteration. One of the first things President Barack Obama began working on when he was elected into office last November was the effort to create universal health care. The health care reform he plans creating will cost approximately $1.2 trillion. However, his plan is that by 2015 97 percent of Americans will be insured. The global recession has caused millions of people to be uninsured either because of unemployment, or not being able to afford insurance. It will provide more stability and security to those who have health insurance. It will provide insurance to those who don’t. And it will lower the cost of health care for our families, our businesses, and our government”, said President Barack Obama. The new health care system will prohibit people from becoming broke if they become ill. It covers expenses for prescription drugs and regular routine visits. For example, the plan eliminates additional fees for preventive care like mammograms, flu shots and diabetes tests. Furthermore all employers will be responsible to provide health care coverage to all workers. The President believes that this plan will prohibit the scandals of health insurance companies and medical experts. As any political debate there are mixed emotions about the health reform. Many people seem to agree with it and it also worries several people. Recent and soon to be graduates from College especially are concerned about this health insurance reform. As soon as they graduate no longer will they be under their families plan and health insurance will be in their hands. “I wish I knew more about the plan, after graduation I will no longer be under my dad’s plan. Therefore I am at risk for being caught in a bind for money because without coverage I will not be able to afford doctors visits and necessary prescriptions,” said Allyssa Agro, age 21. “I waited a semester to graduate from college, so I could still be eligible for the health insurance my college offers to me. I would like to know what that options are for me after I graduate so I can get health insurance,” said Webb Travis, age 22. In Agro’s situation the Obama Plan would benefit her giving her health insurance to cover annual doctor visits and other routine medical procedures. However, her lack of knowledge on the topic has caused her to fear health insurance. These statements prove even further why it is vital that we become informed about health insurance and the Obama reform plan before we are in a situation like this. Find out about your health care plan during your next dinner table conversation. What do parents and friends think? The Obama Healthcare reform plan is not set in stone and is changing daily. Get informed and continue to update yourself on the recent decisions for this reform and remember changes that happen now will affect our future the most. Be proactive! |