IN the recent election the Democrats took control of the House of Representatives as well as gained the 51st seat in the Senate. This will be the first time in 12 years that the Democrats will be able to promote their agenda. Although President Bush still contains the power to veto legislation, there will likely to be some noticeable changes in the healthcare system. Here are some of the changes you are likely see:
1. As new majority leader, Nancy Pelosi has revealed here agenda will consist of. In her first 100 hours, she plans to revive efforts to allow the federal government to negotiate drug prices for Medicare. This effort could actually materialize due to the fact that it has strong bi-partisan support. 70% of Republicans support this legislation that will save both the government and senior citizens money. However this move is strongly opposed by the drug industry because it will certainly affect their current high, inflated profits.
2. Congress will likely be expanding most existing health insurance programs like Medicaid or the children’s health insurance program. Congress will also be experimenting with new state projects designed to find new ways to cover the uninsured.
3. This election will likely cut back on the profits of health insurers. Premiums have risen past the rate of inflation and profits are at a record high. The threat of congressional action will likely slow premium increases and translate into savings for policy holders. Joe France a manage care analyst with Banc of American Securities told USA Today, “Even if there’s no change in legislation, just the greater scrutiny and oversight, that’s going to constrain price increases.”
Whether major or minor, for better or worse, there are definitely some changes in store healthcare in the near future. If you are currently having a hard time affording your prescription medication, go to NoPrecriptionNeeded.com. NPN is a pharmacy advocacy website that lets you compare prices on your prescription medication. If you are interested in ordering your prescription medication at 30 to 70 percent less than at your local pharmacy, visit this Consumer Advocacy website for more information on ordering from an online no prescription pharmacy.
