Obama issues statement on health care reform

WASHINGTON--In a certified press release from the White House received this morning, President Barack Obama issued the following statement regarding health care reform:    If you're like most Americans, there  nothing more important to you about health care than peace of mind.   

Given the status quo, that's understandable. The current system often denies insurance due to pre-existing conditions, charges steep out-of-pocket fees and sometimes isn't there at all if you become seriously ill,  he said.    It's time to fix our unsustainable insurance system and create a new foundation for health care security. That means guaranteeing your health care security and stability with eight basic consumer protections.    

The eight basic consumer protections include:     No discrimination for pre-existing conditions;   No exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles or co-pays;   No cost-sharing for preventive care;   No dropping of coverage if you become seriously ill;   No gender discrimination;   No annual or lifetime caps on coverage;   Extended coverage for young adults;   Guaranteed insurance renewal so long as premiums are paid.

"Over the next month there is going to be an avalanche of misinformation and scare tactics from those seeking to perpetuate the status quo. But we know the cost of doing nothing is too high. Health care costs will double over the next decade, millions more will become uninsured, and state and local governments will go bankrupt," President Obama said.   

"It's time to act and reform health insurance, drive down costs and guarantee the health care security and stability of every American family. You can help by putting these core principles of reform in the hands of your friends, your family, and the rest of your social network."     

A more detailed listing of health care reform and what it means, as reported by the White House Press Office:     No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions - Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.  No Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays - Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.  No Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care -  Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.  No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill - Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.  No Gender Discrimination -  Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.  No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage - Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.  Extended Coverage for Young Adults - Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.  Guaranteed Insurance Renewal - Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full.  Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick. 

Learn more by visiting whitehouse.gov.