The White House is actively engaging the public in the implementation phase of the Affordable Care Act. As a subscriber to their mailing list, I received an e-mail today from Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director, Office of Health Reform.
Below are the contents of the email from Ms. DeParle; I have also included analysis and comments for each section where appropriate using the same source material as the Office of Health Reform. Comments in italics are my own.
Saving Money and Giving Seniors
Better Benefits
August 2, 2010
A report released today confirms that the Affordable Care Act is on track to
save money and strengthen the Medicare program. New provisions under the
law and the Administration's ongoing efforts will save $8 billion within the
next two years and $575 billion within 10 years.
The Figure below shows an analysis from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services comparing spending with and without reform. Will these spending rates hold through the current fiscal crisis through the next decade?
Medicare Spending With and Without Reform
(Image by Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) Details DMCA
Source: Analysis based on data from the CMS Office of the Actuary's April 22, 2010 Memo
Ensuring Women Get the Care They
Need and Deserve
August 2, 2010
No matter who you are, the Affordable Care Act will help make your health care
better. But we know that women in particular suffered under the old health care
system and will especially benefit from the important changes in the new law.
On Today's Ruling in Virginia
August 2, 2010
Having failed in the legislative arena, opponents of health reform are now
turning to the courts in an attempt to overturn the work of the democratically
elected branches of government. Now that this preliminary stage in the courts
has ended, the government fully expects to prevail on the merits.
" This morning, a federal district court in Virginia issued a procedural decision to allow a suit filed by Virginia's Attorney General to move forward. The court did not, however, rule on the merits of Virginia Attorney General's claim that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional. Judge Hudson's opinion specifically states that the "Court's mission at this stage is narrow" and that it "does not resolve contests surrounding . . . the facts [or] the merits of a claim." The court's procedural ruling states only that the complaint could not be dismissed at this preliminary stage ."
Medicare and Mayberry
July 30, 2010
A new ad
featuring Andy Griffith discusses how the Affordable Care Act will strengthen
the health care system for seniors.
Insurance for Americans with
Pre-Existing Conditions
July 29, 2010
For too long, too many Americans with pre-existing conditions were left out of
the health insurance marketplace. Health insurance companies could charge these
Americans more or simply refuse to cover them. But thanks to the Affordable
Care Act, the health care system will no longer leave out the people who need
care the most.
Have you ever been denied coverage for a pre-existing condition?
Not Your Ordinary Website Demo
July 28, 2010
This isn't your ordinary website demo. Watch President Obama walk through
HealthCare.gov.
Giving Our Kids the Care They Need
July 28, 2010
As part of the Affordable Care Act, new guidance for health insurance plans was
released today to help ensure children get the high-quality care they need.
Helping New Patients and Gaining
Long-Term Savings
July 21, 2010
Melody Barnes, Director of the Domestic Policy Council, discusses new grants
under the Affordable Care Act that will help new and expecting parents by
providing in-home visits by professionals who can teach them the important
skills every new parent should know.
Apples and Oranges
July 21, 2010
The Affordable Care Act will address many of the concerns of entrepreneurs and
small business owners, including improving the nation's existing health care
system, lowering costs and providing significant benefits for small businesses.
Free Preventive Care Coming Soon
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act
July 19, 2010
The First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden record a video message outlining provisions
of the Affordable Care Act that will provide better access to preventive care.
HealthCare.gov Feature
A recent blog post on HealthCare.gov offers some opportunities to learn about "exchanges' and provides opportunity for you to comment on how these insurance marketplaces will work. Check out the post to learn more: Building a Better Insurance Marketplace Setting the Stage for 2014.
What's Ahead
In the coming weeks, the Department of Health and Human Services will continue to enhance and improve HealthCare.gov. Check out the little yellow boxes on HealthCare.gov and provide your feedback to help make the site even better.
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