Health care at home

Something to look forward to: the US Senate healthcare debate, post-Thanksgiving. Both Maine senators were quoted expressing their disappointment in the bill. In fact, here are 10 minutes of Susan Collins' disappointment:

On the other hand, here's what the federal government says the plan could do for Maine, according to a White House press release sent out this morning:

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of a new report highlighting the benefits of health insurance reform for Maine. Health Insurance Reform and Maine: The Case for Change is available now at www.HealthReform.gov.

“Families, seniors and businesses are all suffering under the health care status quo,” said Sebelius. “Our new reports demonstrate how health insurance reform will improve health care for all Americans.”

The report provides specific details on the benefits of reform for Maine. Under health insurance reform in Maine:

• 135,000 residents who do not currently have insurance and 69,000 residents who have nongroup insurance could get affordable coverage through the health insurance exchange.
• 99,000 residents could qualify for premium tax credits to help them purchase health coverage.
• 252,000 seniors would receive free preventive services.
• 44,800 seniors would have their brand-name drug costs in the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” halved.
• 22,600 small businesses could be helped by a small business tax credit to make premiums more affordable.
  

The report also notes that 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. Without reform, the amount of uncompensated care provided will more than double in 45 states. Additionally, businesses in 27 states will see their premiums more than double and fewer people will have coverage through an employer if the status quo continues.

To read the complete report and learn more about health insurance reform visit www.HealthReform.gov.