Eight points to better health care

As he continues to engage more directly in his push for health care reform President Obama will be emphasizing eight points that demonstrate how reform will help everyday Americans.

The re-tooled pitch highlights eight ways that, the White House says, health-care consumers would be treated better by insurance companies if reform efforts pass.

As one reads through these the disfunction of our current system is manifest. Is this the best we can do to protect and maintain our health? And remember, this is a system that leaves many uninsured or underinsured and still costs us, per capita, twice as much as other countries while delivering generally poorer outcomes.

• No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurance companies will be prohibited from refusing you coverage because of your medical history.
  
• No Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays: Insurance companies will have to abide by yearly caps on how much they can charge for out-of-pocket expenses.
  
• No Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care: Insurance companies must fully cover, without charge, regular checkups and tests that help you prevent illness, such as mammograms or eye and foot exams for diabetics.
  
• No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill: Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping or watering down insurance coverage for those who become seriously ill.
  
• No Gender Discrimination: Insurance companies will be prohibited from charging you more because of your gender.
  
• No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage: Insurance companies will be prevented from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive.
  
• Extended Coverage for Young Adults: Children would continue to be eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.
  
• Guaranteed Insurance Renewal: Insurance companies will be required to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full. Insurance companies won't be allowed to refuse renewal because someone became sick.