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President Obama today announced a series of new regulations he called a "true patients' bill of rights," and urged insurers not use the health-care overhaul as an excuse to raise premiums.
The new regulations being implemented by the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, will put in place the strongest consumer protections in the nation's history -- giving Americans "peace of mind," Obama said.
Starting in September, discrimination against children with pre-existing conditions will be banned, along with lifetime or annual limits on insurance coverage and retroactively dropping policies for sick people who made an unintentional mistake on an application.
"Insurance companies should see this as an opportunity to improve care and increase competition," Obama told an audience of some 160 people in the East Room. "They shouldn't see it as an opportunity to enact unjustifiable rate increases that don't boost care and inflate their bottom line."
The president's remarks followed a Roosevelt Room meeting with health insurers and state insurance commissioners. Also at the meeting were HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, health adviser Nancy-Ann DeParle, White House adviser Valerie Jarrett, health insurance lobbyist Karen Ignani, insurance commissioners from more than half a dozen states, and the heads of more than a dozen insurance companies (including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, WellPoint, Kaiser Permanents and CIGNA). The meeting participants attended the speech.
Obama said the CEOs in the audience needed to know that they would be required to publicly justify premium increases on their Web sites and on the law's new Web site, www.healthcare.gov. He also said that the administration would "fully support states" that exercise their review authority to keep excessively expensive plans out of their insurance exchanges, which will be in place in 2014.
The event marked what the president noted was the 90-day anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act. The White House expects the health-care overhaul to be a campaign issue during this midterm election season, and has made a point of hosting events and speeches to explain to voters how the new law will affect them.
Obama noted that seniors who face a gap in their prescription drug coverage -- known as the "donut hole" -- have begun to receive $250 rebate checks to help them cover the costs of their drugs. He also said that, starting July 1, people with pre-existing conditions would be able to enroll in a new national insurance pool that would allow them to purchase affordable health care. And he had strong words for those who oppose the signature law of his administration to date.
"I've got some folks on the other side of the aisle who still think none of this should happen -- and in fact have said they're going to run on a platform of repeal. They want to go back to the system we had before." Obama said. "We're not going back; I refuse to go back."
He went on to share the stories of people in the audience who have been helped by the overhaul.
"Anybody who favors repeal is welcome to come talk to these people and tell them why we should go back to the status quo prior to us signing this bill -- go back to the way things were," Obama said. "They are going to need to explain why they and tens of millions of Americans should have their new rights taken away. I don't think they'll have that conversation."
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Awwww geez. There he goes again- wanting to do something for the 'regular Joe'. Can't have that, now, can we righties?
Obama wants to help the regular people. The big insurance companies and other big business has been hurting regular people for years. Regulation is consumer protections. Why do we want to protect big business?
Our President once said to me, "Everyday I'm in office I work on behalf of the middle class." He is living up to those words.
This is what you call a multi-tasker in action.
It sure is-he tooktimeoff from the golf course to blather on about ABSOLUTELY MEANINGLESS reform s.
I have kidney disease as a result of a birth defect-I've never been turned down for treatment as a result of 'pre-existing conditions' because I don't LIE onmy applications.
I don't have a cap because I pay for coverage without one.
What he should have addressed was the astronomical increase in the cost of coverage. Perhaps he could have spared a few comments on why doctors are now refusing new Medicare patients.
Instead, we got twenty minutes of how wonderful he is-typical Obama.
Do you really know the facts of "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" that was signed in to Law on March 23, 2010 ? It doesn't sound so. Find the facts before you bad mouth. I'm learning, and I think it could work. I'm a pharmacy technician and recently completed a continuing education course on our "Health Care Reform". Heath care costs will continue to go up and up. A year by year look at the changes to come beginning this year and through 2018 give me hope. I think given a chance this Act can really work. Get educated, then pass it on.
It's a good time to remind people about the benefits of HCR without the death panel, government take over mantra from the GOP. I realize pigs will fly first but I'm still waiting for the republican who explains how this is a government take over of health care when it is run by private insurance.
Republicans--what have they done for the average person. They're still filibustering unemployment for people who desparately need it to feed their families and keep a roof over their heads; they've done nothing to help solve the unemployment problem, they have NO ideas because all they know is NO.
Saw a good bumper sticker on a pickup this morning: I THINK SO I DON'T LISTEN TO RUSH LIMBAUGH.
For those with little to no memory of Ronald Reagan. I ran across this tidbit not long ago. It is topics one can use for on-line searches: Iran-contra, Star Wars (missile defense), "winnable nuclear war", recallable nuclear missiles, trees cause pollution, ketchup as a vegetable, voodoo economics, James Watt, tax credits for segregated schools, "homeless by choice", Manuel Noriega, falling wages, the HUD scandal, cutbacks in OSHA and worker safety, the Savings and Loan scandal, 240 dead marines in lebanon, retreat from Lebanon, silence on AIDS while 20,000 died, tax cuts for the rich, "we begin bombing in 5 minutes", women appointees (8%), 200 officials accused of wrongdoing, massacres in El Salvador, naps during briefings and check out the fall of communism in Europe--don't let anyone insult your intelligence by saying Ronald Reagan was the one reason for the fall of communism. No doubt there's plenty more.
Jody - I used to have that same bumper sticker on my car till I replaced it with my Joe Sestak for Senate one. I'm sure it's available elsewhere, but I got mine from a place called Northern Sun Publishing. They have so many good ones that I have to rotate them around every so often. The one I never replace, though, (in fact I think I'm on my third copy of it) says:
"I love my country.....but I think we should start seeing other people".
That one tends to invite either enthusiastic thumbs-ups or puzzled head-scratching, depending on the viewer. I'm actually on at least my fourth different interpretation of it myself!
Sadly, my Obama '08 one bit the dust - along with my entire bumper - thanks to a run-in I lost this winter with a giant mound of plowed-up snow.
Thanks for the list - I'd forgotten all about ketchup being a vegetable!
Oh my...
Most incumbent Democrats in Congress simply want discussion of President Obama's version of health care "reform" to go away...at the very least, until after the November mid-terms.
Unfortunately, President Obama is completely politically tone-deaf...not only is he unable to hear the public's verdict on Obamacare, he won't give Congressional Democrats running for re-election a break either.
Why doesn't he talk about AG Holder's upcoming lawsuit against Arizona instead?
Hmmm...that's not really good for the Administration either, is it?
Because Obama is not thinking of a second term as most Presidents do. His place in history is assured, regardlesss of what you think of him. If you stop to think about it, he is in the perfect position to get as much done for the working class, which has been sorely used and abused by past administrations. I've heard many say that Obama has broken promises and not lived up to his campaign goals. I've also went back and read and watched many of those speeches and I can say with all honesty and confidence that Obama has practiced, to the best that the situation has allowed him, what he preached.
Mixed-Up, On the AZ law: If it is properly explained as to why the US must, by oath of office, sue AZ so the court can determine weather the one portion that is unclear as to weather immigration is or is not states right people may understand. Most will not like the suit but it has sound reasoning.
If we truly believe in our constitution (not just when it serves our personal interest) then any item that is questionable should get a court ruling.
FrankH-
On one thing, we emphatically agree...
Obama's place in history is already assured.
Where we diverge relates to the reasons he'll be remembered.
Second term?! It looking more and more like Obama won't make it through his first term. Resignation is an option for The Obama.
Come on Democrats, lets talk about something fun, like Joe Barton!
FrankH:
Speaking of doing what is good for the working class I see that during this recession (that supposedly was huritng everyone from top to bottom and vice versa) the world's ranking of millionaires has increased by 17%. In the U.S. that ranking has increased by 17% as well with their collective wealth having increased by 18%. In other words, while the majority of people, the working class people, have been hurt by this recession with layoffs, high unemployment, loss of their homes, loss of their savings and retirement funds, the richests have become wealthier while the working class has become poorer.
Now, no one is suggesting that we redistribute the welath in this nation as so many accuse Obama of attempting to do so they can label him a socialist. But what some are suggesting, including Obama is that those who have become wealthy off the backs of the working class simply treat the working class a little bit fairer. This would mean to stop ripping people off in search of greater profit, i.e. private insurance firms. To pay a working class person a decent wage. Anyone here try and live off and raise a family on the mimimum wage? Stop gouging the working class people with excessive gas prices everytime an excuse comes along to raise the cost of a gallon of gas. Be willing to take full economic responsibility for any damage your wealthy company created because you cut corners on safety for the sake of earning greater profits. Charge working class people a reasonable but decent price for prescription drugs. Don't take advantage of working class people by influencing those not so educated to obtain credit (cards) with outlandish interests rates. Don't lie to working class people able to purchase some stock with tales of a company or market booms when you know the market is about to crash.
The bottom line is that what Obama is trying to accompliish is not a redistribution of wealth in this country but rather that the wealthy simply play a little fairer with those of the working class. And if during this recession the wealthiest in this country are becoming wealthier while the working class is becoming poorer, I would say that Obama and the rest of us have a lot more work ahead of us to try and level the playing field a bit. Our motto is, we don't want your money, we just want you to stop stealing our money.
One more thing, FrankH-
I'm guessing that most Americans are on the same page as President Obama.
They aren't thinking of an Obama second term at the moment either.
Anyone talking about an Obama resignation must've gotten an early start on happy hour! It ain't 5 o'clock anywhere in America right now!
I can tell that you are one of those that hates to face the truth. I don't know how old you are, but I've voted in several elections. I know that if you look at the facts, take ideaolgy out of the equation, that the Republican administrations, particulary when they controlled Congress and the Whitehouse, have set back the standard of living in this country. Except for the rich who have only gotten richer at the working classes expense. I know that you will say that entitlements and those receiving our help have drove this country to bankruptcy but that would be ignoring the facts and inserting your ideaology into the mix.
Why don't you talk about the $9 billion dollars that is missing, cannot be accounted for in any audit from the money appropriated for the wars. It doesn't matter what you or I think of the situation in Iraq and how we came to be there. We are there and losing our men and women who were brave enough to enlist when they didn't have to. So why don't I ever hear Republicans gripe and complain about that? Because Republicans will not face the truth, even when it is as bright as the August sunshine.
Dennis, Columbus, Ohio
Article 2, Section 3 of the Constitution.
The president sees that the laws are faithfully executed.
Arizona has passed it's law, because the President is failing at enforcing current laws.
This title should have been "Obama hails 'bill of taxes' for health consumers"
Speading the wealth of those that work, to those lazy libtards that don't want to work. All hail the Recipient . . .
I work ! I don't mind babies and seniors having Health Care why do you mind so much? What "wealth" of yours is being spread around. My insurer is the SAME as before and so is my policy. If you do have Health Care and you are the one who actually pays the bill you know thats true. If not shut up!!!
Never heard of the "working poor?" I'm guessing there's a lot of things you haven't heard of!
From yesterday, Clarinda Reynolds--if I have the name wrong, please excuse. I appreciated hearing from someone who actually lives in LA and could explain more about it first hand. I did not mean to imply that oil was the only thing in LA because I know better. People think Iowa only produces corn, soybeans and hogs so I can imagine it was annoying when you know otherwise. Yes, Jindal is working hard at trying to change things; it is what LA voters think that matters. That said, I do think that oil and the damage to the wetlands has caused great harm. It provides employment to many who need it but some of the politicians (every state has them) don't do what is best for the people and everything that is best for big corporations. David Vitter gutting what would restore the natural wetlands and Delta to provide hurricane and storm protection for New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf Coast, to me, is proof of that.
Ole Chicago 1932, I guess your name says it all. I have already been informed by my job, that my health insurance will increase next year in order for the company to comply with the new law. And so is my wifes.
We just need more taxes and government involment. When will liberals understand that "Government is the problem." The bigger the government, the bigger the problems it can't solve.
Don't beleive me, wtach the gulf oil spill and the governments lacking to help clean it up.
My health insurance costs have increased drastically for the entire nine years I have been at my job. If your employer is telling you that your health costs will increase because of the new law they need to be brought to task legally as that is what this article is conveying to you.
I have not been informed of any health insurance cost increases this year...yet. haha
Per CNN:
Frances Fragos Townsend: CUT THE GENERAL SOME SLACK
Per Think Progress:
Um Frances, NOT ONE SINGLE NEOCON HAS CUT PRESIDENT OBAMA ANY SLACK. NOT ONE.
There are people on your side of the aisle that don't want this debacle either, Obama! No one wants to "go back to the way things were." Everyone wanted some sort of reform - - just NOT the reform you passed. My premiums have ALREADY GONE UP. My sister's company just informed her that they are dropping all coverage when renewal comes around this fall. I don't see anything "affordable" in the Affordable Care Act. What. A. Joke.
In which of the past 10 years has your health insurance cost not gone up?
The Original Bill of Rights is an anathema to Obama. David Barton explains why Obama is rejecting our Christian Heritage....and I believe for a Muslim one.
On Wall Builders Web site Mr. Barton explains our Christian Heritage as part of the American Heritage Series:
"In today’s society, Americans are increasingly taught false views about the religious and moral beliefs of our Founding Fathers. Were our Founding Fathers rebellious political zealots as many historians now teach? Or were they really men of integrity and strong religious character, as earlier generations and textbooks taught? View original documents that show, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that America’s Founders drew their ideas for this nation from their strong faith in God. As you watch, you will see numerous accounts of God’s intervention clearly visible in the lives and endeavors of our Founding Fathers. In the American Heritage Series, discover the faith of our Founders that enabled them selflessly to give their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. America: this is your heritage!"
A Heritage that I believe this President has rejected, along with Nancy Pelosi and the Liberal Socialist (communist) Left.