Here are six persistent myths about health care reform. Now arm yourself with the facts.
Myth: Health reform means the government will ration health care.
Fact: Health insurance will be offered through a health insurance exchange that will be open to all private health insurers and will require health coverage that is often “rationed” now—such as by annual or life-time caps on benefits or by paying only for a set number of visits for some services such as rehabilitation or mental health care—no matter how much the individual needs it.
The exchange will enable individuals to purchase insurance on an equal basis—regardless of pre-existing conditions. Under current law, health insurance coverage is not just “rationed” for people with pre-existing conditions but is often denied altogether. If you buy insurance through the exchange, there will be limits on your own out-of-pocket expenses such as for co-pays and deductibles.
Myth: Health reform means the government will take over health care.
Fact: Not one of the major health reform bills in Congress proposes a government-run health care system in which the government is the single-payer (e.g. such as a Canadian system). To the contrary, the proposals contemplate continued robust private employer-based health insurance, and the health insurance exchange is open to all private health insurers. Even if a proposed “public option” is included in a final bill (which is not certain), it will be just one choice along with choices of many private health insurance plans. An insurance exchange will give individuals and families far more choices of health insurance policies than now.
Myth: Health reform will tell me and my doctor what to do and take away individual choice.
Fact: Decision-making will not be in the hands of government bureaucrats. Your doctor and other health care professionals will be free to recommend what is best for you, and you will be free to make your decision. Health insurance offered through the exchange must cover certain minimum services (which makes it more likely than at present that your insurance will cover these services) and any insurance plan is free to cover more services.
Myth: Health reform recommends euthanasia.
Fact: No one is required to consult with a health care professional about end of life decisions such as living wills and health care proxies (by which you name someone you trust to make decisions for you if you are unable to do so). However, it is prudent for us all to do so—how else are doctors and your loved ones supposed to know what you want if you are unconscious? Health reform proposals in Congress simply provide that if you choose to discuss these things with a health care professional, the professional will be paid for that time.
Myth: Health reform doesn’t matter to me because I have health insurance.
Fact: Now you may lose your health insurance through no fault of your own—such as being laid off or moving your residence. With health reform you will be guaranteed the opportunity to purchase quality, affordable health insurance through an exchange. Without health reform, as health costs rise, your premiums may skyrocket or rising costs may cause your employer to stop your health plan or cut way back on benefits.
Without health reform if you become sick or disabled, your insurance may not be renewed. With health reform more people will become insured—which means that hospitals will not have to pass on costs for uninsured care to those who have insurance. All those who are insured now pay a “hidden tax” for these services. Health reform will also include many insurance reforms that will help people with disabilities and pre-existing conditions. See www.unitedspinal.org/advocacy
Myth: Veterans will be hurt by health reform.
Fact: Health reform will not in any way diminish health care for veterans. As an organization started by paralyzed veterans after World War II and as a VA-authorized veterans service organization, United Spinal Association has demonstrated dedication to veterans. We know, in fact, that funding for Veterans Administration health care has been increased and VA health coverage has been extended.
