I heard that...
...healthcare reform will happen overnight.
We know that's not true. There are a lot of claims, promises, and threats circulating about healthcare reform. What is true, what isn't, and how do you know?
We have compiled some questions we've heard about healthcare reform and have done our best to answer them in a fair and balanced way. If you have a question you don't see here, please contact us and let us know. We'll do our best to answer it.
I heard that...
...my reproductive healthcare rights—including access to contraceptives and abortion—will change under healthcare reform. Is that true? NEW
...the government is cutting Medicare payments to doctors. Is this true? NEW
...the Senator Reid’s bill will reduce the deficit. Is that true? NEW
...the consolidated House bill will reduce the deficit. Is that true?
...tort reform will decrease the cost of healthcare and should be a priority for healthcare reform. Is that true?
...they are going to cut back on Medicare services to control healthcare costs, and I (or my parents) will be denied the care I (they) need. Is that true?
...healthcare reform will take away the benefits and covered services offered in my Medicare Advantage Plan. Is that true?
...healthcare reform will cost $1.6 trillion. Is that true?
...the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan (FEHBP) could be a model for healthcare reform. Is that true?
...coverage for abortions is included in the healthcare reform bills. Is that true?
...federal funds will be used to pay for abortions if healthcare reform passes. Is that true?
...healthcare services for illegal immigrants is costing the healthcare system a lot of money. Is that true?
...I won't be able to keep my doctor if healthcare reform passes. Is that true?
...a bureaucrat will be between me and my doctor after healthcare reform. Is that true?
...government-run healthcare programs are inefficient. Is that true?
...healthcare reform will make older people and the disabled face a panel of government bureaucrats who will decide when and how they would die. Is that true?
...prescription medication prices are cheaper in other countries. Is that true?
...prescription medication prices are one of the reasons healthcare spending is so high. Is that true?
...a public health insurance plan will drive private insurance companies out of the market. Is that true?
Since 1997, The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati has invested over $111 million in projects that improve the health of the Cincinnati area. With major healthcare reform imminent, the Health Foundation aims to be a source for credible, timely information that can inform people in our region about the healthcare reform debate. While we do not support any specific plan or approach, we do support certain principles that we believe would improve access to healthcare and make our region healthier.
The Health Foundation supports a healthcare system that:
- IS FOR ALL and
- Is a coordinated system that preserves choice
- Provides access to affordable insurance coverage
- Provides access to appropriate healthcare services
- Encourages and rewards quality care, and
- Has broad financing and cost controls
Please visit http://www.healthfoundation.org/reform for more information.