Healthcare Reform Essay
The topic chosen for exploration is healthcare reform. There are numerous news articles related to healthcare reform; one of the recent informative news articles was published online by New York Times. The article named “In stance on renewal of old health policies, states run the gamut” was reported by Thomas, Craig and Yourish (2013). This article is devoted to discussing the reaction of the states to Obama’s statement that it would be possible to keep old insurance plans in 2014 even if they did not comply with the requirements of the new healthcare law. Healthcare Reform Essay
According to Thomas, Craig & Yourish (2013), 13 states are planning to let healthcare consumers to allow renewing old (canceled) plans, and 8 states are not willing to carry out this policy. The new healthcare policy includes an expanded range of benefits that should be covered by the insurers. The decision to allow consumers to go on with old plans was coined by Mr. Obama after receiving numerous complaints about discontinuing healthcare plans because they do not comply with the recent healthcare changes.
The experience of those states which allowed their insurers to offer early renewal of previous insurance plans showed that such policy was an efficient way of reducing the number of cancellations and providing a means for healthcare customers to continue their preferred plans into 2014. Mr. Obama extended this decision at the federal level, therefore smoothing the transition from old healthcare legislation to new plans. This decision also allows maintaining positive relationships with the opponents of the new healthcare law. Healthcare Reform Essay
At the same time, the right of choice should belong to the insurers; some of them decided to cancel old plans even having the opportunity to offer early renewal. Thomas, Craig & Yourish (2013) set the example of Florida Blue as the insurer which decided to cancel old insurance plans. Overall, the considered decision allows balancing between the supporters and opponents of the new healthcare insurance and allows to insurers to choose the appropriate course of action.
References
Thomas, K., Craig, S. & Yourish, K. (2013, November 19). In stance on renewal of old health policies, states run the gamut. The New York Times. Retrieved November 20, 2013 from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/20/us/states-vary-in-stances-on-renewal-of-health-policies-deemed-noncompliant.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=healthcarereformHealthcare reform Healthcare Reform Essay