Health Care and Politics

While Congress continues to fight over health care reform, the White House launched an online campaign to sway public opinion in favor of reforms backed by President Barack Obama. In coming days, the White House will use numbers to raise awareness "about why the time is now for health reform." For instance, today's number is eight and Ellen Linderman, a wife and farmer from Carrington, North Dakota, is behind a health care eight ball. Citing statistics from HealthReform.gov, the White House notes the number of people each minute denied health coverage, charged a higher rate or discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition is eight.

 

The White House writes on its blog: "Ellen was initially denied health insurance coverage a few years back when she and her husband (also a farmer) had to switch from the state employee plan to private insurance. However, since she had eye surgery less than six months prior to switching, she was considered high risk. The issue was eventually resolved but only after she went without coverage for several months. Health insurance reform would help people like Ellen who have a pre-existing condition and need to get insurance – insurance companies can't deny people due to a pre-existing condition."

| More...