Obama’s Health Care Plan: The Perceptions of Professionals and the People

INTRODUCTIONIn addition to becoming the first African American president, President Barack Obama has set forth an ambitious health care reform agenda that rivals the establishment of Medicare and the Civil Rights Act in terms of historical significance. Among other reform measures, major components of the plan include a National Health Information Exchange, the elimination of pre-existing condition stipulations, and free screenings and vaccinations for children and adults.Those who oppose the proposed plan have debated the potential impact such an agenda would have on the American economy should it take effect. While supporters of the plan have also expressed concern regarding the costs associated with it, they often refer to the positive effects the plan may have on the overall health of Americans. Such a comprehensive plan that seeks to provide a wide range of services has the undeniable potential to eliminate the long-standing health disparities experienced by minorities and those of low-income. Using semi-strucmred interviews and an internet-based survey, the present study seeks to explore the perceived impact of the plan proposed by the Obama administration on existing minority health disparities. Additionally, the present study takes a glance at the perceived impact of the proposed plan on health care utilization by the working poor.COMPONENTS OF PRESIDENT OBAMA'S PROPOSED HEALTHCARE PLANDuring his candidacy Barack Obama consistently reiterated his plan to overhaul the existing healthcare system. Throughout the presidential campaign, he repeatedly acknowledged that the primary purpose of his proposed plan was to provide access to healthcare for all individuals despite their employment or socioeconomic status. (Organizing for America, 2008) Upon assuming office, President Obama urged the members of Congress to enact legislation that would embody the components of that plan. Since that time, the two houses of Congress have passed bills that include basic components of President Obama's proposed plan. The bills passed by the House and Senate are vast and include many minute details. However, within the bills there are components, proposed by President Obama, that have received widespread attention due to the monumental changes that would occur within the existing healthcare system should the components remain incorporated into the legislation once it is enacted. The following list summarizes those components of Obama's proposed plan that have been incorporated into both the House and Senate bills.* Expansion of Public Insurance Programs - Currently, public programs such as Medicaid provide health care coverage for those persons whose income is below the federal poverty level. However, President Obama has proposed that eligibility requirements for Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) be amended to increase the number of persons eligible to receive Medicaid. This would allow many persons who work but cannot afford healthcare insurance to be covered by the already existing public health insurance program.* Health Insurance Exchanges - A key component of President Obama's proposed plan is the creation of a marketplace where persons can choose among a variety of private health insurance plans based on cost and their respective healthcare needs. Proponents of health insurance exchanges believe that health insurance exchanges will drive down costs among health insurance providers making health insurance more affordable for those who are not enrolled in an employer-based plan or a public program such as Medicaid. Additionally, it is believed that the creation of health insurance exchanges will increase the portability of health care coverage unlike employer-based health insurance.* Guaranteed Eligibility Regardless of Pre-Existing Condition(s)- Health insurance companies have traditionally denied or delayed coverage for individuals who have been diagnosed with a disease or condition. …