What Does the Healthcare Bill Mean For You?
By: Jenna Zibton
Updated: March 22, 2010
Prescription drugs, doctor's visits and tests. How will these change after the healthcare reform bill is signed into law?
"It's hard to put in a nutshell because it rolls out over several years" says Doctor William Lunn, chief operating officer of CHRISTUS Health Northern Louisiana. He says the plan is good for the country.
"We welcome getting more Americans covered and the whole question is the details" he says.
Out of all the questions being asked, the one we heard the most was "What will this mean for me?"
"Depending on what section of John Q Public you are you'll either have higher taxes that you're paying as a result or you maybe the beneficiary of some subsidies to help you afford insurance" says Dr. Lunn.
Those seeing higher taxes? Singles earning above $200,000 and married couple making $250,000.
Dr. Lunn says if you already have health insurance, expect very few changes. He says there is one big thing to remember.
"People have got to understand that the current bills are going to take time, that there's not going to be some quick fix."
Some of the bill's provisions could be phased in over the next four years.
Senator Mary Landrieu says the following should take place in the next few months:
- People 26-years old and younger can stay on their parents insurance or re-engage
- The gap closes for middle class seniors having to pay thousands of dollars for prescription drugs
- Small businesses can shop in health care exchanges
"In general you'll end up having a healthier America because you'll have more people that have access to doctors and nurses instead of just when they're sick" says Dr. Lunn.
President Obama is expected to sign the $875-billion health care bill into law Tuesday at the White House.
