Obama administration moves forward to implement health care law

[Draggingtree]

hhs.gov:

 

News Release

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 20, 2012

 

Contact: HHS Press Office

(202) 690-6343

 

 

 

Obama administration moves forward to implement health care law, ban discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions

 

 

 

The Obama administration moved forward today to implement provisions in the health care law that would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions. The provisions of the Affordable Care Act also would make it easier for consumers to compare health plans and employers to promote and encourage employee wellness.

 

“The Affordable Care Act is building a health insurance market that works for consumers,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Thanks to the health care law, no one will be discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition.”

 

“The Affordable Care Act recognizes that well-run, equitable workplace wellness programs allow workers to access services that can help them and their families lead healthier lives,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Employers, too, can benefit from reduced costs associated with a healthier workforce.”

 

The Obama administration issued:

 

· A proposed rule that, beginning in 2014, prohibits health insurance companies from discriminating against individuals because of a pre-existing or chronic condition.

For more information regarding this rule, visit: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/11/market-reforms11202012a.html.

 

· A proposed rule outlining policies and standards for coverage of essential health benefits, while giving

For more information regarding this rule, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/11/ehb11202012a.html.

 

· A proposed rule implementing and expanding employment-based wellness programs

For more information regarding this rule, visit: http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/11/wellness11202012a.html

[Draggingtree]

President Obama won, but Obamacare didn't

 

By CARRIE LUKAS | 11/20/12 4:35 AM EST

 

During the campaign, President Barack Obama minimized discussion of his first term’s most consequential new law: Bringing up health care risked stirring the passions that fueled the tea party’s rise and the Democrats’ defeat in 2010.

 

Yet, research conducted by the polling company, inc./WomanTrend for Independent Women’s Voice (IWV) shows that health care was an important concern for Americans on Election Day. The president was reelected in spite of voters’ lingering distaste for Obamacare, and the health care issue will remain a critical issue for voters moving forward.

 

 

Just a quarter, or 26 percent of those surveyed by the polling company on Election Day supported implementing Obamacare

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1112/84054.html?hp=r7