Here's an explanation of some of the new reform:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/22/your-money/health-insurance/22consumer.html
Reading the press I was surprised at this legistlation being described as the 21st century Civil Rights Act. Is that a fair comparison?
Are you surprised it actually passed? What parts of this reform are you excited about? What do you feel might not go far enough or might not really make a difference?
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Extending health insurance to tens of millions of Americans who until now were outside the scope of existing programs does make this legislation sound like a fair comparison to the Civil Rights Act.
ReplyDeleteThough I'm surprised this legislation actually passed, since both parties had many disagreements on the components of the reform.
Conservatives and Republicans see healthcare as a private matter for the citizens to decide for themselves, and I agree with them.
Unsurprisingly, the government will continue to plunge into a blackhole of debt, which isn't a big difference, since were already in billions of dollars in debt.
christine yung period 8
ReplyDeletei don't really know what to think about this health care bill. for one thing, i like it because it will be beneficial to more 32 million people. i also like the big change in medicare in which by 2018, prescription drugs will be slashed in half. i like this because it gives many low income families the ability to spend less on medicine and more on other necessities like the medical bills.
the idea of having more affluent families pay more on taxes is a a good thing but i think that many families will have objections to this. they will think that their hard earned money should not be given to the government. however, without a doubt, it may boost the economy.
i also like the employment flexibility because it gives the employees the same plan even if they get laid off or decide to start their own business. it gives these people reassurance and a chance of hope that they can make it in our recession today.
im not at all shocked at the passed bill. ive been waiting for it to pass ever since ive heard about canada's free health care.
1. It should be a universal rights act, because now America is living up to its values of "equality for all." Now we all have healthcare(minus the 15 million that don't, now we all can feel secure in knowing that insurance companies can't drop us because of "pre-existing conditions." For those previously without healthcare, this triumphant reform is symbolic of a Civil Rights Act.
ReplyDelete2.I knew it would be a close call because there was so much tension surrounding the republicans and so much betrayal with some democrats threatening to vote no.
3.I'm most excited about the extended coverage for kids until they are 26. More students are going to graduate school, and this is just one burden lifted off of their shoulders. They don't have to worry about applying for health insurance until they graduate and find a stable job. With so much growing responsibility (college fees, etc.), it's nice to know that the government is looking out for us.
1. i mean it is not close enough to everybody being equal but it is closer than before.
ReplyDelete2. I'm very surprise it pass, i thought it was going to be dead and we will get stuck in the same kind of health care program.
3. the part that i am excited about is the student can take their parents's insurance program until they are 26. i have Medicare, so it is not a problem for me, but my cousins do not have insurance because once they turn 18 they are not cover under their father's plan.
DEREK Y
ReplyDeleteI believe that this act is beneficial for some, but not so beneficial for others. The good thing is that 32 million people who previously could not afford, or were denied healthcare will now have healthcare. Those with pre-existing conditions can now afford healthcare. Indeed, it is equality for all, but how about those who do not want healthcare? They are forced to pay for something they don’t need or want. This bill will add even more on to the taxes that we must pay each month, and it will hurt those who already have their own healthcare providers.
However, I do like the employment plans that are being put in place. It feels good to know that if anything should ever happen to one of us, we will be able to support ourselves.
I am actually not sure what to feel about this bill. My family pays for their own healthcare, so will this end up just costing them more taxes? I feel that I will have to wait and see what happens.
I am not surprised that this bill passed because it is almost essential if the United States wishes to remain as a global super power in the decades to come. I'm excited for this bill over all, I'm excited that we are finally taking this step forward. This bill probably isn't perfect but its the first step toward perfection. I feel that we are not getting the whole picture to this health care bill, I saw on the news that this bill is thousands of pages long and weighs roughly 25 pounds, so there could be a number of things wrong with this bill.
ReplyDeleteFor starters, comparing the Health Care reform to the Civil Rights Act is not something that I support. I think that people doing so are simply feeding off the hype. There is no way that this bill will have the immense impact that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 had on American society. This is because only 15% of Americans are uninsured. The bill that passed recently will not help the remaining 85% of Americans very much. In fact, the bill can possibly have negative influences on insured Americans because it will raise taxes for the rich, which is why the Republican opposition to this bill is understandable. After all, why should insured citizens pay more taxes to pay for a government bill that does little to benefit the insured people.
ReplyDeleteYet, I remain an advocate of this bill. I was not surprised that this bill passed because I am almost certain that Obama will not stop urging Congress to pass this bill. Though I am sure that compromises that I may not support have been made, I am very excited that this bill has passed. I am excited because this bill encompasses much of my moral opinions on this issue. A suffering patient should NEVER have to worry about paying his bills. By passing this bill, Congress has insured the American’s right to life. Also, not having to pay for health insurance until I am 26 is very beneficial to me.
Richard C.
For the most part, I felt that the passing of this legislation was a good idea. Many people can't afford health care or are denied access to it because of a "preexisting condition". With this, children can still be covered under their parent's plan till they're 26. For me, this is a relief because I am turning 18 soon.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is though that health insurance should be a choice. Yes, there is the medicare system, but it doesn't guarantee that everyone doesn't have to pay for health insurance. In the article it said that "Most Americans would be required to have health insurance and face federal penalties if they do not buy it." I can understand why might the government want to implement such a plan but the thing is, if health insurance is a thing where some people still have to pay for then for those people, it's their choice if they want to get it or not. There are still people who live from paycheck to paycheck.
I think it's great that the reform was finally passed. Universal health care will benefit a lot of people, especially those that cannot afford insurance or have been denied health care because they are too sick and companies don't want to cover them. In that way, I think this bill brings just a little bit more justice to America. Of course, some people will be opposed because they will have to pay more taxes and it's probably not fair to force them to have health insurance if they don't want it, or to pay money to the government to help a program that won't really help them since they were able to maintain their own health insurance. But not everyone is going to be happy. If it works for the majority of people, then I guess it should stay.
ReplyDeleteI like that more individuals would be covered by Medicaid and that we would be able to fall under our parents health insurance plans up to age 26. When entering the stressful world of college and adulthood, at least we know that we don't have to worry about health care for a few more years.
But even with all these great new rules and policies that fall under the plan, I feel like somewhere there's going to be a downfall. =/
Anellia. Pd2
The health care bill should definitely be universal. I completely agree with the former bloggers who have mostly stated that America is finally equal, but there are other things going on that don’t really make us all equal such as gay marriage. I think health care is just another reform and another step the United States is taking to fully achieve equality amongst all. It is understandable that the health care bill is considered the Civil Rights Act of the twenty-first century because it is guaranteeing equal rights to health care for all Americans just as the Civil Rights Act guaranteed equality amongst all men. Now, anyone can have health insurance—no matter how sick, poor, or unfortunate they may be.
ReplyDeleteI’m actually not surprised that the health care bill passed. It seems almost ridiculous of the United States to not pass it because of the current economic crisis and the amount we are spending on health care in comparison to other developed nations such as ourselves.
Since I am a part of my parent’s health insurance, I would say the one thing I am looking forward to is staying with them until I reach the age of 26. This is very helpful because even at the adult age of 18, children are still getting used to adulthood and the expenses of health care would be too overwhelming.
When we voted for Obama, we voted for change and that’s exactly what we’re getting—drastic, yet important and necessary change.
Ms. Aucoin Pd.1 (Esther. S) 03/23/10
ReplyDeleteHistorical Healthcare Reform
Reading the press I was surprised at this legislation being described as the 21st century Civil Rights Act. Is that a fair comparison?
I think it is a fair comparison that the legislation is described as the 21st century Civil Rights Act because what we really need now is the health care insurance. People, choosing not to go to the hospital because they cannot afford to, is in some sense, ridiculous. No one should be denied to get helped because of financial problem. Because of this healthcare reform, not only people with low income, but also those with pre-existing conditions are worried free of becoming healthier.
Are you surprised it actually passed? What parts of this reform are you excited about? What do you feel might not go far enough or might not really make a difference?
I was a little surprised because the reason why healthcare had not been passed was because of the power of private businesses. If healthcare bill is passed, they will lose a lot of money. Also the rich people will have to pay more than they had before because healthcare will now be paid by the percentage added to the tax.
I like that it would be illegal to not have a healthcare. So, everyone, including poor people would be able to get the benefit. I also like how the government set it up so that people with low income will get same benefits as the rich people.
This is very good news for me because my mom started worrying about my healthcare plan because the healthcare that my parents have will not cover me after my 19th birthday, which is coming up soon. Now, not only the college students, but also the graduate students who probably have many things in mind such as financial problems, school loan, start of independent life, will have one less thing to worry about.
Knowing that other countries such as Canada have this healthcare plan already, I was a little worried about United States not being able to set up one. I hope by having this healthcare bill passed, people will once again find hope, and rise up for the country, relieving our recession. This is a good new in bad times.
The health care plan is not a fair comparison with the Civil Rights Acts. The health care plan will bring about new change, but it isn't drastic enough to be compared to the Civil Rights Acts. The change is that 32 million more people are able to get the health care they need without being denied for pre-existing symptoms or diseases. I'm not that surprised the health care bill passed, because it would eventually happen and its happened sooner than later. I'm excited that dependent students can have health care under their parents until the age of 26.
ReplyDeleteThe health care in a sense can be compared to the Civil Rights Movement because people with pre-existing conditions are being discriminated by the insurance companies. However, I do feel that the term is exaggerated because the African Americans have gone through so much suffering and discrimination in society, more so than the 21st American citizens. Many people are surprised that the health care plan was passed by congress, however I feel that it is about time that America gets its game on. Most European countries have already passed universal health care. America, which is suppose to be a World leader, is late on these equality issues. Factors that I liked about the universal health care is that us, students, are allowed coverage until the age of 26, if our parents have insurance already. I also like that insurance is now available to lower-class and middle-class citizens as well as upper-class citizens. I like that universal health care comes from our taxes. We pay taxes to help our community and better our life style in the long run. It is nice to know that our taxes are now being used in a beneficial way rather than being used on stupid unnecessities like wars. The one thing that I have a complaint about is that health care is not available to illegal immigrants. Our country was founded on immigration and has the highest percentage of immigrants. Denying them right to health insurance is taking away their right to life. I hope that their will be a universal health care that will also cover this percentage of people too.
ReplyDeleteSB Lee Period 1
i think to some extent this health care reform could be considered a 21st civil rights act because the instead of the African Americans, the oppressed groups of the 21st century have become the less economically capable ones. The people who struggle financially, and have trouble fulfilling their basic needs,things such as health care. For the financially lacking Americans, it is a very unhealthy cycle because poorer Americans tend to have worse health conditions than those who were well off. The poorer Americans are the ones who need health insurance more than anyone else, yet they're unable to afford them. This cycle of negativity stops the poorer Americans from getting the help and opportunities they need to rise above and break the cycle.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the health reform has gone as far as it can to make a difference, even though this only means more benefits for the poorer Americans who can't afford health insurance, and won't affect the middle and upper class Americans as much, it is one step towards helping everyone to start on even ground. There would be a lot of protesting going on if things were to be further changed and affluent Americans had to further contribute their income to the federal tax. The passing of this legislation did not surprise me that much because America is experiencing a progressive movement, first Barack Obama was elected as the first black president, now the long time debate of health reform has finally been settled in advantage to the poor. This is only a sign of increased democracy. The socially and economically oppressed groups are getting louder and louder, and at some point it would be impossible to ignore that. So Americans should start thinking more about the big picture of the country, rather than focusing on personal interest, because we'll never know who's shoes we'll be in someday.
- Leah 8th period
I'm not surprised that the bill passed because like others, I've been waiting for it. I mean, it's about time that America is taking a step in the right direction. Everyone should be entitled to health care, and with this bill everyone will finally get it, or be able to afford it. Also, the Constitution states that we have the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Isn't health a part of life? So yeah, it is a fair comparison to the act.
ReplyDeleteI'm most excited about the extended coverage time because I think it's great that kids are covered until they're 26. By the time the kids turn 26, they'll be done with college (most) and they'll have jobs, and be able to support themselves. This is just one less thing for parents to be worried about.
I'm not too familiar with all the pros and cons of the healthcare reform, but I was very surprised the the bill passed. After hearing about the healthcare reform for many months, it felt that it would never happen even when the meetings were being taken place. I don't agree that this reform is being compared to the Civil Rights Act. Both are different tangents in my opinion. Although I probably won't be dependent on my parents until I'm 26, the idea that health insurance can cover until the age of 26 is pretty helpful for many people that do stay dependent on their parents until they're much older. I also like the idea that prescriptions wont cost as much anymore. I am covered, but one time i didn't have the card and i had to pay for three small short time usage prescriptions and the total was over 200.00. It seemed like too much and that some of the prescriptions weren't even necessary. Every good aspect has its bad aspect. Whether if its hidden or if it's shown to everyone. A key factor is that not everyone will be insure. Many people will still have to pay for insurance and even pay more insurance on top of that if you have a lot of money coming in. It's too early to see if this reform turned out for the better. Hopefully it prospers and the majority of America will be content.
ReplyDeleteI think the health care reform is a different type of civil rights act. People have been oppressed and discriminated because of race and gender. Health insurance companies were discriminating people because of pre-existing conditions that most of the time are simply genetics.
ReplyDeleteI'm actually not surprised the bill passes since Democrats are the main party in congress. I personally feel that Obama was being too passive on the whole process; he was trying to involve Republicans and compromised a lot and got nothing in return. Even through all the compromises Republicans still didn't vote for the bill so it seemed pointless.
I'm excited that this bill will expand coverage to 32 millions of Americans and cannot deny coverage to anyone with pre-existing conditions. I also really like that insurance companies must allow children to stay on their parent's insurance plans until age 26. While this is a good start I still think they need to allow undocumented immigrants to obtain health insurance. The bill states that immigrants will not be able to buy coverage even if they pay for all out of themselves. There are millions of people that will be affected by this.
Amie - Ms. AuCoin (pd.8)
ReplyDeleteIt's about time the Health Care Reform bill was passed! Health Care has been a controversial topic for years but no politician has ever really done anything about it. I am really glad that President Obama has finally taken such a huge step forward.
There is a lot of expectation for this bill and the one thing that I fear is that this new legislation will not be able to meet the standards. It is the first bill that will provide anything remotely similar to the fantastic health care that is offered in other countries. It will prove to be very difficult to get the bill started as is evident by the long wait period (several years) for the bill to even take effect. By that time, many of us will have graduated college and possibly have jobs. Good healthcare will be essential by then.
This legistlation being described as the 21st century Civil Rights Act is a fair comparison because the Civil Rights Act brought equality amongst all the people based on societal status ad this this deems everyone equal under insurance coverage.
ReplyDeleteI am very surprised that this passed because not only have there been many disputes over this in the past years, but the fact that every republican voted against it, and it still passed is most shocking to me.
I particularly like the employment flexibilty because one of the most important things people look for when finding jobs are insurance coveragem and if they lose their job, not only will they not lose insurance, but they can make the tranistion seemlessly.
Anesh G. Pd.2
Yes we can!!
ReplyDeleteI was pretty surprised with the passing of the bill. It wasn't until two or three days before the vote that "oracles" finally began to predict that the Democrats would get enough votes. Until now, it's been constant bickering and filibustering in Congress.
I don't think this bill comes anywhere near the Civil Rights Bills. Yes, it is a start, and Obama has finally gotten something through Congress, but I don't think the effects of this bill are revolutionary or anything of that sort. Civil Rights, on the other hand, seems more of a major upheaval and significant turn. In comparison, this bill is nothing.
However, we have enacted many useful changes. I like the fact that kids can now stay covered with their parents until 26 (just in time!). As Michael Moore says, we should not be lulled into an allusion that everything is right now in the White House. Still, it's a start, and a great one at that.
--Manjinder
Reading the press I was surprised at this legislation being described as the 21st century Civil Rights Act. Is that a fair comparison?
ReplyDeleteThis isn’t a fair comparison because each dealt with different major issues. The civil rights were necessary for the equality of all race and unity. The healthcare reform is for the health of people that has troubles with healthcare and changes preexisting laws. Both have great impacts but impacts lives differently.
Are you surprised it actually passed? What parts of this reform are you excited about? What do you feel might not go far enough or might not really make a difference?
I was surprised it actually passed because both parties had issues against it with no strong majority. I excited about the fact I get to depend on my parents plan longer because it might take quite a while to get established. I feel that this bill will make a great difference because some people will finally get the treatments they need.
-Kazi period 8
I think that the fact that this legislation is described as the 21st century Civil Rights Act is a fair comparison. Indeed , I think it's a way to bring equality into the society as LeeAnn said, by helping the disadvantaged sections of the population.Moreover,there is more freedom too because some people chose certain jobs only because they knew that they would be able to have Health Insurance.I think they can feel freer to do what they really want to .
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised it actually past because even if it took a lot of time and there were many obstacles ,I felt a lot of determination in Obama's speeches to make everyone feel at home with the Health Care reform and this is exactly what's happening.The part of the reform that I'm excited about is the fact that 32 millions of people will benefit from this coverage.This is indeed a large number of people:I was even surprised by the fact that so many people will benefit from this Health Care reform.It's an enormous portion of the population so this therefore means that it's very necessary. But I also think that there'll be a problem as Christine said: affluent families will not want to pay more tax even if this seems to be a good idea to help the American economy:their protestations can be dangerous for the future of the reform. I think this reform is expensive it shows that the American society wants to be a good one for all its citizens.
I think this legislation can be described as the 21st century Civil Rights Act because it's a way to bring more equality into the society as LeeAnn said, by helping the most disadvantaged sections of the society. It's a way to be freer to because many people chose certain jobs only because they knew that they would be able to have Health Insurance.Now they can feel freer to do what they really want to .
ReplyDeleteI am not surprised by the fact the reform really passed because even if it took a lot of time and there were many obstacles, I felt a lot of detrmination in Obama's speeches to make everybody feel at home and to boost the economy : this is exactly what's happening.The part of the reform that I'm excited about is the fact that 32 millions of people will benefit from it . I was even surprised by that number.An enormous portion of the population is concerned so this therefore means that it's very necessary .But as Christine said the idea of having affluent families pay more tax will provoke protestations that can be dangerous for the reform,even if this idea may be good for the American economy.But with this reform the American society shows that it wants to be a good one for all its citizens.