Health Insurance Values » HealthLog with Dave Keller

5 health reform must-reads

With Congress’ August recess just around the corner, health care reform legislation won’t be passed any time soon. President Barack Obama now says he wants to sign a final bill by the end of this year. While the House is on recess from July 31 through September 8 and the Senate is on recess from August 7 through September 8, you may want to take the opportunity to hone your knowledge on the subject, form your opinions and contact your elected officials in opposition or support of the proposed plans.

Remember, we all have a say in the outcome, and you cannot make a difference your voice is not heard. To help with your health reform education, here are five health reform reads—plus bonus material—I suggest you check out:

1. “The Cost Conundrum: What a Texas town can teach us about health care”
This is a fascinating New Yorker article about McAllen, Texas, the town that seemingly epitomizes out-of-control health care spending.

2. “Side-by-side comparison of major health care reform proposals”
Nonprofit, nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation breaks down the major health care reform proposals so you can easily see how they compare in areas including financing, employer requirements, benefit design and changes to private insurance.

3. “5 biggest hurdles to health care reform”
If you find yourself wondering why the health care reform process is taking so long, you may want to check out Time magazine’s explanation.

4. “The public plan option on health care: Holy Grail or Pandora’s box?”
Deloitte, a global professional services organization, offers an informative point-counterpoint.

5. “State health facts”
This resource offers a multitude ways of health-related state-to-state comparisons, including health status, coverage, costs and more.

Bonus read. If you really want to examine the proposed bills closely, look at the fine print. Here is the complete text for the two leading comprehensive reform proposals:

House Health Reform Bill “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.”

Senate HELP Committee “Affordable Health Choices Act.”