United States Domestic PolicyUnited States Domestic Policy

By Alyssia, Trey, and David

BackgroundBackground

US spend more than any other nation on medical treatment

In 2006 we spent more that $2 Trillion That alone translates into an average of

$7000 for every man, woman, and child Health care spending comprises 1/6 of

nation’s economy

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American hospitals and doctors are one of the best in the world and we have students from all over the world come to the US to attend our schools but yet many Americans can not afford health insurance.

How Health Care worksHow Health Care works People pay with their insurance for health care,

and their insurance is provided by employers or government programs

That insurance can pay for 90% of CERTAIN medical fees

Medical fees has risen dramatically with cost of medical services

Some companies can no longer afford to provide insurance therefore many Americans go without it

The American medical care for all citizens people believe that government should guarantee adequate medical care for all citizens

Since the early 1900s US leaders have recommended that the federal government make health care accessible for ALL Americans

They came up with two main solutions Medicare and medicaid.

MedicareMedicare

41 million Americans age 65 or older or who have disabilities receive Medicare

There is two parts to this program

ContinuedContinued First part is that it helps pay medical bills

but the person must pay a certain amount before Medicare pays for the rest of the bills

Second part is the supplemental medical insurance

This covers 80% of doctor fees, laboratory tests, and other medical expenses

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George W. Bush and Congress passed am enhancement to Medicare in 2003 called Part D

This provides optional coverage for prescription drugs

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After participants pay an annual premium and a deductible the drug prices are reduced by 75%

In 2006, Medicare spending rose 19% over 2005

MedicaidMedicaid Joint federal-state program This helps about 38 million men and women with

low income Federal government matches the state funds But each state makes its own requirements

based on income Medicaid covers everything the Medicare does

but it also covers the fees and premiums for medicate recipients who are near poverty level

Paying for good healthPaying for good health

National expenses have increased within the last 40 years

They have increase much faster than the standard of living

Federal, state, and local government paid half of the total of $2 Trillion.

ContinuedContinued 3 major developments that have increased the

health care costs are The expansion of a system in which government

and insurance companies, rather than patients, pay the medical bills

The introduction of expensive new medical technologies and drugs

The rapid growth of America’s older population

Efforts to improve Health Care and Lower CostsEfforts to improve Health Care and Lower Costs 1993 Bill Clinton and Hilary Clinton championed

sweeping health care reform in hope for achieving health care coverage for ALL Americans

The drug and insurance industries opposed this plan 1996 the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability

Act (HIPAA) was enacted This made it easier for people to keep their health

insurance even if they change jobs or have a preexisting medical condition

Current IssuesCurrent Issues

Medicare budget Bush’s 2009 budget proposal included

plans to reduce Medicare spending growth which would save $200 billion over 5 years

In October 2008 Medicare stopped paying hospitals for care results in certain preventable errors.

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As of now President Obama is asking congress to pass his Health Care Reform plan

He wants to get Health care to everyone who does not have it and to the ones who can not afford it.

Best Medicare and Medicaid PlansBest Medicare and Medicaid Plans Medicare Preferred care Kaiser Foundation

Health Plan of Southern California

Geisinger Health Plan

Medicaid Fallon Community

Health Plan Neighborhood Health

Plan Excellus BlueCross

BlueShield

SourcesSources

2008 Close Up Foundation Packet www.healthreform.gov www.health.usnews.com