McCook Daily Gazette: USA - Health care reform benefits Americans

The Senate health care reform bill reduces the deficit, relies on the free market, and adds competition that will benefit patients with lower cost and better health care. Reforms in the bill promote wellness and preventive programs, rural health services, small business tax credits and new insurance protections that will help Americans live healthier lives.

Among someof the benefits are:

§ Plans can no longer deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions

§ No lifetime or annual limits on coverage

§ Insurers will no longer be able to drop coverage when you get sick

§ Rates for premiums will not be not based on health status or gender

§ New appeals process to challenge decisions made by your insurer

§ Works to close Medicare Part D "donut hole," providing major savings for seniors on prescription drugs.

§ Within 90 days of enactment, provides $5 billion to help Americans with pre-existing conditions afford coverage

§ Starting 2014, provides tax credits to help Americans who cannot afford the cost of private health insurance.

Note EU-Digest: Only time will tell if ithe Health Care Reform benefits the average American. Right now it is a win-win situation for the Insurance Industry.

McCook Daily Gazette: State News: Nelson: Health care reform benefits for Americans