The Economist
American politics
Health-care reform Mixed prognosis
Jun 11th 2012, 21:10 by C.H. | NEW YORK
JUNE is the cruelest month, if not for Eliot than for health
wonks, politicians, patients, insurers and hospitals. By June
28th the Supreme Court will decide whether to strike down Barack
Obama's health reform. The decision will end more than two
years of suspense. But inextricably linked to the first question
(will the law survive?) is another: if the law dies, what will
happen next?
As I have argued in the past, a broader, structural shift in
health care is already underway
.
...
Some of the more direct results of Mr Obama's reform are also
likely to continue, regardless of the court's decision. On June
11th United Health care, Americas biggest insurer, explained how
it would proceed if the justices rule against Mr Obama. The firm
says it will retain some of the consumer-friendly provisions
that are already in effect. For example, United will let those
younger than 26 remain on their parents'insurance plans, and
the company will continue to cover preventative services, such
as screening for diabetes, without making patients pay
out-of-pocket. In another boon to patient advocates, United will
not cap the coverage patients may receive, whereas before
health reform, insurers could set a lifetime limit.
But the most notable parts of United's announcement were its
omissions. Unsurprisingly, the insurer will not uphold a
provision that requires it to give patients a rebate if the firm
directs too much of their premiums to administration or profits.
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IOW, one of the biggest money savers will be dropped.
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Most important, United will not continue to cover children with
pre-existing conditions, a change that was made in 2010. "One
company acting alone cannot take that step, so UnitedHealthcare
is committed to working with all other participants in the
health care system to sustain that coverage," read the
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Note: This is why we need national health care. One company
can't do it, all of them can. If we have National Health Care in
the near future there will be *NO* pre-existing conditions. So
the problem is solved.
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...
*Update: *Two other large insurers have also just announced
that they will keep certain reform provisions even if the law
is struck down.
BOB KLAHN bob.klahn@sev.org http://home.toltbbs.com/bobklahn
... Don't tell me you are pro-life if you don't support health care for all.
--- Via Silver Xpress V4.5/P [Reg]
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