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

Doctors say VA care is a model of efficiency
Some say that the Department of Veteran Affairs medical care is actually an excellent example of how the government is leading on health care quality and cost.August 18, 2009
New ideas to address long-term care
Two experts who have researched health care and long-term care for the elderly and disabled join Midday to discuss what's available and who pays for it.Midday, August 17, 2009
Public is more skeptical of health reform efforts
People appear divided on how health care should be changed and whether the Obama administration is doing a good job on the issue. Recent polls suggest the heated town hall exchanges may have had an impact on people's perception on how Congress and the president are doing on health care.Midmorning, August 17, 2009
Obama gets personal in health care debate
President Barack Obama invoked his own anguish over the death of a loved one as he challenged the debunked notion that Democratic efforts to overhaul the nation's health care would include "death panels."August 15, 2009
Help for long term care?
Saving for care in our old age usually falls by the wayside in favor of the things we want to pay for now. A relatively little known provision in some health care bills allows people to voluntary contribute to a national fund that would pay at least $50 a day for at home nursing care for people who are disabled.Midmorning, August 10, 2009
Rep. Peterson opposes Obama's health care reform plan
Minnesota U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson says he will likely vote against the health care reform proposal working its way through Congress.August 5, 2009
Stakes high for small businesses in health care debate
As members of Congress head home for their August break, the debate over the impact of health care reform on small business is heating up.August 4, 2009
Checking the facts on health care reform
President Obama has lost public support for his health care reform bill, while the political battle on Capitol Hill has heated up. Midmorning looks past the rhetoric to find out if the reform plan gets at the heart of what is ailing Americans about our health care system.Midmorning, August 3, 2009
Will reform lead to rationing?
Opponents of the President's push for health care reform have argued that increased government involvement in the system will lead to rationing. Others say there is already rationing going on in our health care system. Midmorning looks at why rationing has become such a dirty word in the politics of health care reform.Midmorning, July 30, 2009
Pawlenty urges Minn. delegation to 'abandon' health reform bill
Gov. Tim Pawlenty outlined his concerns about a health care reform bill Tuesday in a letter he sent to the state's Congressional delegation.July 28, 2009
Number of medically uninsured growing
People who lack health insurance tend to delay care, which can result in more money spent on their care when they do end up in the hospital. Many experts from across the health care spectrum say the number of uninsured is expected to grow and the medical costs will grow with that number.Midmorning, July 28, 2009
Women's health and reform
American women's support for President Obama's health plan has been slipping according to a recent poll. Midmorning discusses what's missing from the reform effort to reduce disparities for women in the health care system, from coverage to treatment and research.Midmorning, July 27, 2009
Making peace to push a health overhaul
Pres. Barack Obama urges Congress to keep trying to resolve differences over health care overhaul bills. A committee that many consider critical to bipartisan support of the bill has yet to produce a way that would address the cost of creating a public plan and other health care changes.Midmorning, July 22, 2009
Obama's health care campaign hits Minnesota
President Barack Obama has mobilized his campaign organization in Minnesota and other states to help build support for health care legislation.July 21, 2009
McCollum, Paulsen concerned about inequities in health care reform plan
The national health care debate came to the state Capitol on Monday, as U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum of Minnesota heard from a variety of observers about the health care reform being discussed in Washington.July 20, 2009