Passage of Health Care Reform - A Directive for Improving Care
Many said that it would never happen. But on Tuesday, March 23, President Obama signed into law legislation that truly Puts Patients First in health care.
People living with chronic conditions and their family caregivers may not appreciate the nuts and bolts of passing legislation. They do, however, understand the gravity of their own personal situation. The everyday realities for the people the NHC represents continue to be filled with health challenges and financial uncertainty as they struggle to maintain their health, independence, and well-being.
The NHC worked closely with many Members of Congress to ensure that the interests of the patient and family caregiver community were addressed in the final bill, and passage of the legislation will dramatically improve the lives of people with chronic conditions. Improvements include making insurance available to those who cannot currently afford it, eliminating discriminatory insurance practices such as exclusions for people with pre-existing conditions and annual and lifetime benefits caps, and improving access to long-term care. Families with children who are ill will have greater security knowing their child cannot be denied insurance coverage due to a pre-existing condition and that older children can remain on a parent’s insurance policy until the age of 26.
Recognizing the need to reform a broken system, Congress and the President took a bold step in enacting meaningful legislation that will benefit the patient community. We look forward to continuing to serve as a partner and resource in the effort to Put Patients First in health care through implementation of this legislation.