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
- Bundling plan for health care gets a look in Minn.
Minnesota health providers can learn about one of the big changes in a 2008 state health care overhaul on Tuesday.October 27, 2009 - Health care reform inches forward
Health care reform got a boost last week when the U.S. Senate Finance Committee passed its version of the bill, but much work remains. The big sticking points remain how to pay for the legislation, and whether it will include a public option.Midmorning, October 21, 2009 - Pawlenty offers his prescription for health reform
On the same day a U.S. Senate committee approved a sweeping health care reform bill, Gov. Tim Pawlenty unveiled his own more modest plan he says will rein in health care costs in Minnesota.October 13, 2009 - Senate committee approves health care plan
With support from a lone Republican, a key Senate committee Tuesday approved a middle-of-the-road health care plan that moves President Barack Obama's goal of wider and affordable coverage a giant step closer to becoming law.October 13, 2009 - Mandate might be key to reform, but not all can afford insurance
Proposals have been floated ranging from a tax on medical device makers to one on high priced insurance plans, but economists say the key to paying for reform is requiring everyone to buy insurance.October 6, 2009 - Minn. nonprofits look ahead to health care changes
Minnesota nonprofits gather on Thursday to learn how a potential federal health insurance mandate might affect them as employers.September 24, 2009 - Jobs offering health care are harder to find in Minnesota
Congress continues to fight over health care reform, and leading proposals still rely on employers providing health coverage even though fewer Americans get health insurance through their jobs.September 23, 2009 - Mayo says Medicare changes needed in Obama plan
President Obama's speeches on reforming America's health care system frequently invoke Mayo Clinic as a model for the rest of the nation to emulate, but the Mayo Clinic doesn't support Obama's plan as it currently stands.September 22, 2009 - Dr. Jon Hallberg on H1N1, health care reform and other medical news
The doctor makes radio house calls today on Midday, with the flu season at hand, lots of medical news, and the health care reform debate underway in Congress.Midday, September 22, 2009 - Survey shows disparities in health care coverage for Minnesota kids
Minnesota ranks third in the nation in the percentage of people who have health insurance, according to recent figures from the U.S. Census, but new survey data indicate some disparities around the state -- particularly for kids.September 22, 2009 - Doctors, lawyers say malpractice laws work in Minnesota
President Obama last week tried to extend an olive branch to the GOP, by signaling support for some type of limited medical malpractice reform, but here in Minnesota, doctors and lawyers say the state's malpractice laws are already working.September 17, 2009 - 'Mad Doctors' bring single-payer pitch to Minnesota
A group of physicians is coming to Minnesota today to lobby for a single-payer health care system.September 16, 2009 - GOP reps. push for guaranteed right to private health care
Three Republican state representatives say they want Minnesota voters to decide whether to protect their ability to purchase private health insurance.September 14, 2009 - Obama brings health care crusade to the Twin Cities
In a speech at times reminiscent of his recent address to Congress, President Obama urged a Minneapolis crowd Saturday to "get fired up" in the battle for health care reform.September 12, 2009 - Hundreds attend Paulsen town hall
Several hundred people attended a town hall meeting on health care reform Friday night hosted by Rep. Erik Paulsen in Maple Grove.September 11, 2009
Services
In The Spotlight
-
The Current Music Blog
Your daily note for good music, news and pop culture. With attempted jokes.
- Become a Member
- Member Connect Accounts
- Leadership Circle
- Sustaining Members
- Member Discounts
- Become a Sponsor
- Tax Information
- Planned Giving
- Vehicle Donation
- Donate Stock