Health Care Reform

President Barack Obama signed the sweeping federal health care overhaul into law on March 23, 2010, but the debate over it is as fierce as ever. Congress designed this framework for revamping the nation's health care system to phase in over the next decade. Over that time, it's expected to expand health insurance coverage to more than 30 million additional Americans; help consumers better understand and compare health insurance policies; require insurers to cover pre-existing conditions; require insurers to spend at least 80 percent of their premium dollars on health care; and help fill a gap in prescription drug coverage for seniors.

The law has drawn fire from critics who argue it does little to control the soaring costs of health care. They also contend that the law is unconstitutional because it requires all Americans to purchase health care insurance. It's likely the U.S. Supreme Court will settle that legal question.

Meanwhile, public attitudes about the law remain divided as well. Depending on the poll, Americans are split or a majority favors its repeal.

Writer: Elizabeth Stawicki

Most Minn. Dems ready to reconcile health care reform
President Barack Obama is pushing Democrats to pass a health care bill in the next few weeks. Some critics view the reconciliation process as an end-run around Republican opposition, but supporters note it's the same one the Bush Administration used to pass tax cuts.March 9, 2010
Medical leaders and patients talk health care
President Obama wants Congress to pass health care reform by March 18th and has elicited assurances from both House and Senate Democratic leaders. MPR's Kerri Miller recently hosted a forum which brought together medical leaders and patients to discuss health care reform.Midmorning, February 25, 2010
To buy or not to buy health insurance across state lines
One health care reform idea being floated by Republicans is to allow people to buy insurance across state lines. It's an idea Gov. Tim Pawlenty echoed in his State of the State address last week. There's a debate over the merits of that idea.February 16, 2010
Study: More Minnesotans are without health insurance
The percentage of uninsured Minnesotans crept up in the last two years, reaching 9 percent, according to a new survey.February 5, 2010
Ellison says health insurance reform may not be dead
Rep. Keith Ellison says health insurance reform proposed by Democrats may not be dead, despite the loss of Senate Democrats' 60-vote majority in this week's special election in Massachusetts.January 21, 2010
Health care debate: Views from Minnesota
With the loss of the Senate's filibuster-proof majority as a result of the Senate race in Massachusetts, Minnesota observers assess whether the health care bill has gone from a sure thing to dead on arrival.January 20, 2010
Obama, Dems ponder next steps in health care debate
Abandoning the health care overhaul is not an option, the White House said Wednesday, after President Barack Obama's signature issue took a devastating hit with the Democratic loss of a Massachusetts Senate seat.January 20, 2010
Former Medtronic CEO discusses health care reform
Former Medtronic CEO Bill George shares his thoughts on health care reform in a speech to business and civic leaders. George was a featured speaker at the Cuningham Group as part of the architectural firm's "Urban Currents" program.Midday, January 20, 2010
The health care overhaul's effects on one Twin Cities small business
Small businesses are a major driver of the U.S. economy, and MPR asked a national health care economist to analyze the impact of the proposed health care overhaul on a Twin Cities business.December 22, 2009
Reform could close gap in diabetes prevention
Many people can prevent diabetes with simple lifestyle changes. But Medicare and most private insurance programs don't pay for prevention efforts.December 22, 2009
How a medical device tax will affect the industry
Jan David Wald, a senior medical tech analyst with the Nobel Financial Group, spoke with MPR's Tom Crann about how the tax will affect the medical device industry.December 21, 2009
Franken denies Lieberman extra time on Senate floor
Franken was presiding over the chamber when Lieberman asked for additional time to finish his speech. It's a routine request in the Senate, but one Franken denied.December 17, 2009
AP sources: Senate Dems reach deal to drop gov't-run health plan
Senate Democrats tentatively agreed Tuesday night to drop a full-blown government-run insurance option from the health care reform bill, several officials said, a concession to party moderates whose votes are critical to passage of President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.December 8, 2009
Nienstedt: Church speaks with 'moral voice' on health care reform
St. Paul Archbishop John Nienstedt reiterated the Catholic Church's opposition to any health care reform bill that would allow abortion coverage, in an interview with MPR's All Things Considered on Thursday.December 3, 2009
Will health care reform help keep people healthy?
Public health experts argue that one of the best ways to lower America's health care bills is to keep people from getting sick in the first place. The health care reform bills being debated in Congress take some steps toward doing that.November 27, 2009