The Final State of the Union
This is historical material “frozen in time”. The website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work.
Summary:
Earlier today, Nancy-Ann DeParle, the Director of the White House Office of Health Reform answered some questions via twitter that were posed by a popular blogger, Heather Armstrong (aka Dooce).
Earlier today, Nancy-Ann DeParle, the Director of the White House Office of Health Reform answered some questions via the @WhiteHouse account on Twitter that were posed by a popular blogger, Heather Armstrong (aka @Dooce). During the interview, Nancy-Ann also answered a question from someone else who chimed in.
The interview covered pre-existing conditions, high-risk pools, health care tax credits for businesses and other important parts of the health care law. To learn even more, check out what health care reform means to you.
Here's a play by play of the questions:
Nancy-Ann DeParle is going to use @whitehouse to answer some of @dooce's #healthreform questions - ready now: http://twitpic.com/1op05q
The White House
whitehouse
@whitehouse How soon will my husband and I (we both have preexisting conditions) be able to get comprehensive health care?
Heather B. Armstrong
dooce
Later this summer there will be a transitional high risk pool for ppl who’ve been unable to get ins. b/c of preexisting conditions @dooceThe White House
whitehouse
By 2014, preexisting condition exclusions will be banned and everyone will be able to get coverage. @dooceThe White House
whitehouse
There will be a fine for those who do not have insurance, but what about those who can't afford it? @whitehouseHeather B. Armstrong
dooce
New law says no penalty for those who can’t afford insurance & provides tax credits & support for those who need it @dooceThe White House
whitehouse
What about businesses that already provide health care to their employees. Will this cause their costs to escalate? @whitehouseHeather B. Armstrong
dooce
No. In fact, the new law cuts costs for businesses. For example, new tax credits for small businesses: http://bit.ly/cYfeSl @dooceThe White House
whitehouse
The new law also saves money for large employers - here's a good study on that http://bit.ly/3J9BMB @dooceThe White House
whitehouse
@whitehouse i pay a lot for my insurance,but it's good. will i be forced onto something lower quality because of the new law & higher costs?
mjkidk
mjkidk
@mjkidk that's an easy one: NO - if you like the insurance you have, you can keep it.The White House
whitehouse
Will healthcare reform help put mental illness on a level playing field in terms of other debilitating illnesses? @whitehouseHeather B. Armstrong
dooce
Yes, like physical health, mental health benefits are part of the essential health benefits package @dooceThe White House
whitehouse
From @QID_WHY : Is there a system in place to stop premiums from skyrocketing for those who keep their current insurance? @whitehouseHeather B. Armstrong
dooce
We'll be watching insurers closely & encouraging state regulators to act. @dooceThe White House
whitehouse
If insurers jack rates up unreasonably, they won't be allowed into the new marketplace (exchange) where people can choose among plans @dooceThe White House
whitehouse
Thank you, Nancy-Ann DeParle and @whitehouse. Obviously a lot of people care and are concerned about this issue.Heather B. Armstrong
dooce
@dooce you're welcome - this was a lot of fun! Take care, Nancy-AnnThe White House
whitehouse
If you haven't starting following @WhiteHouse, make sure you do.
