In these delaying tactics that we see from the other side, let's not lose track of the big picture. The health care reform legislation taking shape recognizes the different ways that Americans get their health care and helps each one. Those who get their health coverage through their employment will find that insurance companies cannot yank them around, or cut them off if their health treatment becomes expensive, or discriminate against them for preexisting conditions.
Those who get their health care through Medicare will keep the Medicare they know and love; only it will be better. Closing the gap in the coverage of prescription medicine, the so-called doughnut hole, and moving toward a more patient-based, less procedure-based system. And those not well served by today's existing system, small businesses, employees and employers, people between jobs, individual contractors and consultants, can get their coverage at lower group rates and can get assistance in paying those premiums. And overall, this will hold down the rising cost of health care in America.
