THE HEALTH CARE BILL AND ARKANSAS

By Kermit C. Moss

 

Mercy me, sakes alive, and carrot coffee!  How will the health care bill, along with expected changes in the upcoming House/Senate conference, affect Arkansans?

 

Here are some interesting thoughts on the matter, as expressed by Ernie Dumas in the 12/24/09 issue of the Arkansas Times, and some other current or recent sources:

 

     1. Arkansas may well be the biggest single beneficiary of the reforms, or at least
         one of the top three or four, because fewer of the proposed fees and taxes to
         pay for the reforms will be collected in Arkansas, since Arkansas has fewer
         families making more than $250,000 per year, and fewer union members with
         Cadillac plans that would have a portion of their premiums taxed.
     2. The per capita  benefits, consisting of the net cash flow into Arkansas for
         medical care, may exceed those of every other state, depending on the final
         language on cost sharing between the states and the federal government.
     3. The elderly and disabled will get nearly all their prescription drugs covered.
         The insurance companies will no longer be able to drop coverage on  people
         who become chronically ill, nor to deny coverage because of a preexisting
         condition.
     4. But in Arkansas a big deal for  is that poor people will be able to  buy        
         insurance at competitive prices, those with low incomes will be assisted by
         federal credits.
     5. In conclusion, it appears that Arkansas may benefit more than any other state!

 

Kermit C. Moss
PO Box 1136
Monticello, AR 71657
PH 870-367-2486 - office
      870-367-7034 - home
December  31st, 2009