The Benefits of the Affordable Care Act

The Supreme Court of the United States upheld parts of the Affordable Care Act. Some citizens hope this is a step toward universal healthcare which most of the industrialized world all ready has. The Physicians for a National Health Program offer health statistics from many of the OECD ( Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations and clear explanations why national healthcare would succeed in the U.S. They address the myths that universal healthcare 1. is inadequate with long waits and substandard aide 2. is a tax burden on citizens

3. bankrupts nations

Opponents of the Affordable Care Act mention that it is unconstitutional for the U.S. Federal Government to require, or mandate, that individual people buy health insurance and question whether the government has a right to penalize anyone who does not comply. I’ve found that I become too emotional when I write about or discuss this topic from a legal or political point of view. Perhaps it is because I rely on socialized medicine in the form of Medicare and have heard stories in newspapers and such of people who died or lost a loved one because of lack of insurance. I’ll just state that the Affordable Care Act was created by humans to address the very serious issue of human health, life, and death. Because humans are flawed, any legislation will have flaws. Over the past week, I’ve intentionally tuned out online videos and much commentary about the ruling especially if it is by politicians or has a party slant. I feel that the true concern, human life, isn’t being addressed there and electioneering is the main point.

I prefer Selena Fox’s point of view. “regardless of what one’s viewpoints are on the Affordable Care Act, it is my hope that we all can find ways to innovate, communicate, and collaborate on bringing about a better healthcare system in this country.” “The Pagan Community Reacts to SCOTUS Decision on the Affordable Care Act” Jason Pitzl-Waters at the Wild Hunt Blog

So what will the Affordable Care Act do for US citizens? There are videos and written accounts available at MyCare: Share Your Health Care Stories that show how the Affordable Care Act has improved lives.

The Benefits of the Affordable Care Act

Insurance companies no longer have unchecked power to cancel your policy, deny your child coverage due to a pre-existing condition, or charge women more than men.
Over 86 million Americans have gained from coverage of preventive care free of charge, like mammograms for women and wellness visits for seniors.

Nearly 13 million Americans will receive a rebate this summer because their insurance company spent too much of their premium dollars on administrative costs or CEO bonuses.

The law has already helped 5.3 million seniors and people with disabilities save an average of over $600 on prescription drugs in the “donut hole” in Medicare coverage.

The law’s provisions to strengthen and protect Medicare by fighting fraud will continue.
The law has helped 6.6 million young adults who have been able to stay on their parents’ plans until the age of 26, including 3.1 million young people who are newly insured.
(Affordable Care Act Fact Sheet)

On this Independence Day as we celebrate the Declaration of Independence, let’s not mistake independence from tyranny or individual freedom as individual egotism the idea that we don’t want to aid other citizens because we don’t want to be made to by the government on whatever level.

This Republic had its beginning, and grew to its present strength, under the protection of certain inalienable political rights—among them the right of free speech, free press, free worship, trial by jury, freedom from unreasonable searches and seizures. They were our rights to life and liberty.

As our nation has grown in size and stature, however—as our industrial economy expanded—these political rights proved inadequate to assure us equality in the pursuit of happiness.

We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. “Necessitous men are not free men.”[3] People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.

In our day these economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights under which a new basis of security and prosperity can be established for all—regardless of station, race, or creed.

Among these are:
… The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health” President FDR January 11, 1944 message to the Congress of the United States on the State of the Union

Other Links of Interest

Health Reform in Action www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform

Healthcare.gov – This site helps you find insurance providers and learn how the Affordable Care Act will benefit you and your family specifically.

“A Pagan Response to the Affordable Care Act” by Starhawk

Pagan Values: Hospitality (And the Affordable Care Act) by Cat Chapin-Bishop