Why I support health care reform

As a political enthusiast working in the health care field, I have been following the health care reform debate fairly closely. I was upset -- but not surprised -- when single payer was never put on the table, and when a public option was dismissed. I think that either of those would be a major improvement to the system we have.

I have some issues with the new law -- mainly that it effectively cuts Medicare payments to health care providers. Medicare reimbursements are already low, and this cut will probably lead to a decreased pool of providers willing to serve America's elderly and disabled populations -- groups that need medical care more than most.

However, I ardently support the legislation that passed on Sunday night.

Why?

It regulates the insurance industry. From an AP article that seems to be fairly comprehensive in its summarization of the law, here are some new regulations to insurance companies:

- Prohibits insurers from changing an existing policy to exclude payment for a child's medical condition.
- Prohibits lifetime coverage limits.
- Prohibits insurers from canceling policies except for fraud.
- Prohibits denial of coverage or higher rates for preexisting conditions.
- Though it's not in the article, I believe that the law requires that no less than 80% of insurance company income be spent on medical payments.

Insurance companies are infamous for doing all of those things and more. It's disgusting and immoral, and if health insurance must be private, it must be regulated. This law is a good start.