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Reports on Health ReformLearn how the current system has failed millions of Americans and what the new law can do to help them as we work to implement it over the next four years. Read our reports:
Online Series on Health Reform
The health care status quo is not an option for our states. If we do nothing, by 2019 the number of uninsured people will grow by more than 30 percent in 29 states and by at least 10 percent in every state. The amount of uncompensated care provided will more than double in 45 states. Businesses in 27 states will see their premiums more than double. Find your state to continue reading.
Rising health care costs, persistent gaps in the use of recommended services, and the threat of Medicare insolvency all undermine the health care that the program’s beneficiaries need and deserve. Health insurance reform will serve to strengthen the health care that our seniors receive.
Insurance discrimination based on pre-existing conditions makes adequate health insurance unavailable to millions of Americans. A new report Coverage Denied: How the Current Health Insurance System Leaves Millions Behind details how insurance companies can deny them coverage, charge higher premiums, and/or refuse to cover that particular medical condition.
WISEWOMAN is a community intervention program funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that helps prevent heart disease and stroke by providing screenings and counseling for low-income women. A new report A Success Story in American Health Care: Community-Based Prevention in Nebraska details the program.
A joint partnership between the Michigan Health & Hospital Association and the Johns Hopkins University, the Michigan Keystone ICU Project helped dramatically reduce the number of health care associated infections in Michigan, saving over 1,500 lives and $200 million. A new report A Success Story in American Health Care: Eliminating Infections & Saving Lives in Michigan highlights the project.
Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage. A new report Hidden Costs of Health Care: Why Americans are Paying More but Getting Less details the rise in health care costs.
Despite consistent increases in spending, disparities among demographic groups persist. Low-income Americans and racial and ethnic minorities experience disproportionately higher rates of disease, fewer treatment options, and reduced access to care. With unemployment on the rise, the disparities already apparent among these groups will continue to increase. A new report Health Disparities: A Case for Closing the Gap demonstrates the need for reform.
The current health care system does not work for women. A new report Roadblocks to Health Care: Why the Current Health Care System does not work for Women explains how the system leaves too many women without access to coverage for care.
 Throughout rural America, there are nearly 50 million people who face challenges in accessing health care. Hard Times in the Heartland provides insight into the current state of health care in rural areas and the critical need for health care reform.
 Across the country, small businesses are struggling as the cost of health care continues to skyrocket. Americans who build and run the millions of small companies around this country have seen insurance costs consume a greater share of their payroll. High costs are making it impossible for many small businesses to provide insurance to their employees. Helping the Bottom Line: Health Reform and Small Business, provides important information on how the high cost of health care burdens small businesses, weakens our economy and leaves millions of Americans without the affordable health care they need and deserve.
 Americans across the country are demanding comprehensive health reform and cannot afford to wait any longer for Washington to act. Businesses and families are struggling as costs continue to skyrocket. The report highlights the flaws in the health care system, demonstrates the cost of maintaining the status quo, shows how the current system has failed millions of Americans and why we must enact comprehensive health reform this year. White House Reports on Health Reform
The Burden of Health Insurance Premium Increases on American Families
"What's in Reform for My Community?"
The Economic Effects of Health Care Reform on Small Businesses and Their Employees
Why Middle Class Americans Need Health Reform
The Economic Case for Health Care Reform
White House Forum on Health Reform
Americans Speak on Health Reform: Report on Health Care Community Discussions
HHS Reports
Reports on National Healthcare Quality and Health Disparities
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March 30, 2010 Coverage for Children with Pre-Existing Conditions In a letter to America’s Health Insurance Plans, HHS Secretary Sebelius underscored the clarity of the new health reform law – no child will be denied insurance because of “pre-existing condition exclusion.” Read the letter March 29, 2010 Children Protected from Insurance Industry Practices In a win for the Administration, the insurance industry agrees to back down on a threat to deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. The decision came after an exchange of letters between HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and AHIP president Karen Ignani. Read more |
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The Health Care Status Quo in Your State
