Insurance Technologies

WASHINGTON- In the process of both praising and prodding Congress, on Wednesday President Barack Obama announced that a vast reform of the nation's entire health insurance system is needed in order to head off inevitable instability to families, industry and possibly the very government itself. In a message delivered in the Rose Garden Obama announced that deferring reform is nothing more than defending the status quo. He added that anyone who would attempt to oppose the administrations efforts should take a good look at what it is they're defending. Obama was attempting to push his landmark bills through the House and Senate before Congress' August recess. Each day the president is placing more of his own political stake behind his efforts as he outlines the troubles with the U.S. approach to health care coverage, an emphasizing the cost to consumers. He mentioned the soaring of premiums, in addition to increasing deductibles and out-of-pocket costs while promising reforms and promising the saving of money. Obama explained that if you lose your job, or you change for another job or even start a new business, you'll still be able to receive quality affordable health insurance. He said this in order to yet again assure his listeners who are dubious of any changes and added that those who are happy with their doctor and health care plan will be able to keep it. Surrounding Obama were nurses who he said agreed with his plan of health reform. The proposed health care coverage package still has to clear the House and Senate, before Obama's ambitious goals of slowing health cost increases and providing coverage to nearly 50 million uninsured can come to pass. One of the most vexing parts of the debate remains how this will all get funded. A milestone vote by the Senate health committee was cast Wednesday to approve legislation increasing insurance coverage to cover practically all Americans. This makes it the first congressional panel to act on Obama's leading domestic priority. A day before the House Democratic leaders had pledged to agree with the president's goal of health care legislation and to finish dealing with it before their August break. They offered a plan containing $1.5 trillion that would for the first time, make health care a right and a public responsibility for all Americans. Those having to deal with the costs would be the medical providers, employers and the wealthy. Obama sited this progress as being hopeful. He said that it should provide the urgency needed for both the House and the Senate to complete their work on health reform before the August recess. Obama's comments, although brief, amounted to a presidential pep talk. He said such things as it being the time to support Congress, the administration, and the entire federal government in getting this program through. A $600 billion measure was introduced by the Senate health committee which was passed along party lines in a 13-10 vote, in a proposal that would require individuals to attain health insurance and for employers to contribute to the cost.