It appears that Obamacare funding may survive without the threatened government shutdown by conservative republicans. After a confusing filibuster against Obamacare by Senator Cruz the Senate voted unanimously to protect Obamacare's funding and keep the government from defaulting. The drama is not over yet. The House still has to weigh in.
Providing health care for millions of Americans continues to be a contentious issue dividing congress typically along party lines. A few Facts: About 50 Million Americans have no health insurance, approximately 4 Million in Florida. With the Scott Administration's refusal to accept Obamacare dollars some million Floridians that could have been insured will remain in limbo without needed health insurance. These are largely represented by low income working families. Free clinics and ERs provide minimal not equitable care to this population.
The Health Exchanges that begin October 1, will open the doors for millions of Americans to receive health coverage at competitive rates. All indications are that due to these exchanges health care premiums for insurance will go down. There is evidence that with a broader reach of those covered for their health care needs, health care costs will be stabilized.
Many insurance abuses will end for the insured with the implementation of Obamacare. The major complaint from opponents to Obamacare is that the nation cannot afford it. The question to pose is can we afford not to have it and refuse to extend needed quality health care to millions of Americans? Are there problems with Obamacare? You bet. However, fine-tuning the plan is a more sensible approach than, as has been said, throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
Universal Health coverage is essential for a healthy American population. We are seeing the unfortunate results of the current fragmented system of health care. Too many are denied equitable care and our health outcomes show it when compared to other countries with universal health coverage.
We are simply not meeting the health care needs of millions of Americans. We are on the road to fixing it with Obamacare.
