Health Care Blog

Applying for Health Insurance Just Got Easier

Posted by Ezra Mechaber on September 29, 2013 at 4:57 PM EDT

On October 1, millions of Americans will have a simple new way to get affordable health coverage: the Health Insurance Marketplace.

With one application, you'll be able to compare all your coverage options side-by-side, learn if you can get lower costs based on your income, and enroll in a plan that fits your needs and your budget.

In fact, the new application is so simple, it's 17 pages shorter than the current application you'd fill out to enroll in coverage in the individual market.

Visit HealthCare.gov now and learn how to sign up starting on October 1.

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Weekly Address: Averting a Government Shutdown and Expanding Access to Affordable Healthcare

Posted by Megan Slack on September 28, 2013 at 6:00 AM EDT

In this week’s address, President Obama says that on October 1st, a big part of the Affordable Care Act will go live and give uninsured Americans the chance to buy the same quality, affordable health care as everyone else. It is also the day when some Republicans in Congress might shut down the government just because they don’t like the law. The President urged Congress to both pass a budget by Monday and raise the nation’s debt ceiling so that we can keep growing the economy. He also said that those without health insurance and those who buy it on the individual market should visit HealthCare.gov to find out how to get covered on Tuesday.

Transcript | Download mp4 | Download mp3

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White House White Board: What Obamacare Means for You

Posted by Megan Slack on September 27, 2013 at 11:01 AM EDT

The Affordable Care Act - also known as Obamacare - means better coverage for those who already have health insurance, and more options for those who don’t, including a new way to shop for affordable, high-quality coverage.

Watch the latest White House White Board to learn more about what the law means for you.

For more information:
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President Obama Speaks on the Affordable Care Act: "Tell Your Friends. Tell Your Family. Get Covered."

Posted by lholst on September 26, 2013 at 5:58 PM EDT

President Barack Obama delivers remarks on the Affordable Care Act at Prince George's Community College in Largo, Md., Sept. 26, 2013. September 26, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

With just five days to go until millions of uninsured Americans will be able to purchase quality, affordable coverage at healthcare.gov, President Obama headed out to Prince George’s Community College in Kettering, Maryland to deliver remarks on the Affordable Care Act.

Acknowledging the "antics" currently going on in Congress as Republicans threaten to shut down the government if the law isn't repealed, the President outlined for the American people exactly why he is going to make sure we see this reform through:

In the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one should go broke just because they get sick.

In the United States of America, health care is not a privilege for the fortunate few -- it is a right. And I knew that if we didn’t do something about our unfair and inefficient health care system, it would keep driving up our deficits, it would keep burdening our businesses, it would keep hurting our families, and it would keep holding back economic growth.

That's why we took on a broken health care system. That's why ... we got it through Congress. That’s why we’ve been implementing it. That’s why we are going to see it through. The Affordable Care Act is here.

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Wellness Wednesday: Veterans' Health Care by the Numbers

Posted by Rory Brosius on September 25, 2013 at 6:26 PM EDT

Today begins a series of blogs on Wellness Issues for Military Families, Veterans, and Service members. Check back for Wellness Wednesday blogs, where we will cover topics relevant to the holistic health of the military and veteran communities.

Joining Forces, along with the President, the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Health and Human Services, is committed to supporting the wellness of military service members, veterans, and their families. Today, we’ll summarize the actions of the Administration that enable Veterans to pursue the American Dream, especially as it relates to health and wellness.

Improving Mental Health Care

The President has allocated funds to the VA to provide high-quality mental health services for veterans.

$7 billion: dollars of the FY2014 Budget committed to continue expanding and transforming mental health services for veterans.

1669: mental health professionals hired by VA to increase capacity to provide timely mental health services for veterans.

800: peer-to-peer specialists the VA will hire by December 31, 2013

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This Work Is Personal To Me

Posted by Daniel Suvor on September 25, 2013 at 3:45 PM EDT

Back in 2006, as my father was dealing with advanced dementia, our family faced a serious set of challenges. In addition to his health problems, we struggled with the lack of transparency in what his health insurance plan covered, and with substantial out-out-pocket costs. We were often left with unanticipated bills after appointments and medical procedures with little recourse.

At times it felt as though the system was set up against us. On several occasions, his insurance company interfered with his treatment, dictating important decisions about his care rather than his doctors. And there was little we could do about it. Helping my mom navigate the process proved to be a frustrating and expensive burden on us. Throughout it all, I would often wonder how many other families were in the same boat struggling with rising health care costs and the worst insurance industry abuses.

Not long after my dad passed away I first heard then Senator Obama speak about his own mother’s struggles with health insurance and the need to pass health reform. I knew that I had to be a part of making that change. Since joining the Obama Administration in 2009, I’ve worked hard to help implement the Affordable Care Act. It’s an honor to come to work every day at the White House to help make this landmark legislation a reality for millions of hard-working Americans who will benefit from the security and peace of mind of having health insurance.

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