Health Insurance Articles
The Most Realistic Health Reform Challenges In 2012
2011-11-17
The health reform laws that are in effect could be changing and very few additional ones are likely to take place in 2012. The reason for all of this is because of the presidential election that will take place as well as some of the components to the Affordable Care Act. The health reform challenges will continue to add up throughout the year of 2012.
One of the most realistic health reform challenges of 2012 is the ability to pass new laws regarding healthcare. 2012 is the year of the new presidential election and many politicians in Washington do not want to pass anything until the new president is in office. This includes Obama not wanting to make any rash decisions that could cost him his re-election.
The health reform laws are necessary to take control over the constantly rising health insurance costs that the nation is facing. The cost of healthcare is getting more expensive for a number of reasons and that causes the health insurance rates to go up. As more rates go up, more people are opting out of their plans because it is cost prohibitive. This only adds further to the problem because now even more people don't have insurance.
In order for this vicious cycle to stop, the government must step in. However, few politicians have a plan that can be agreed on by everyone. This may cause the healthcare problem in the country to be placed on hiatus throughout the year of 2012 until the decision of who will be the next president is decided.
Another important health reform challenge for 2012 is based upon the Affordable Care Act. One of the changes that is scheduled to take place in 2012 is that Medicare is being asked to show quality results within the care of patients throughout hospitals to avoid re-admissions. The problem with this is that it calls for financial incentives.
Financially, the government is already tapped out with their commitment to healthcare. In addition, the hospitals may have to spend more money in order to provide better care for Medicare patients. This money has to come from somewhere. If it doesn't come from the government, it will have to come from the insurance industry, which means another rise in rates - something no one is willing to do because of the constant push back from customers already.
There are many other health reform challenges, including the change to electronic files for better accounting, managing health disparities and much more. The politicians may not be willing to take action because of it being a presidential election year; however, they will need to do something to avoid further increases in healthcare costs.
