Title:
On the Road to Health Reform, Congress Moves a Step
Closer
Description: This is
a VOA Special English Economics Report.
See text below
Text:
A major reform of the American system of health care
and insurance has moved farther in Congress than
ever before. President Obama wants a final bill
passed by the end of the year. But a difficult road
still lies ahead.
On November seventh, the House of Representatives
passed a bill with an estimated trillion-dollar
price over ten years. The president called the vote
historic. President Obama said the Affordable Health
Care for America Act will provide stability and
security for Americans who have insurance. It will
provide quality affordable options for those who
dont. And it will bring down the cost of health care
for families, business and the government while
strengthening the financial health of Medicare.
But thirty-nine Democrats voted no, and only one
Republican, Joseph Cao of Louisiana, voted yes. The
bill passed with just two more votes than required.
Republicans say the plan would add to the nation's
debt, raise insurance costs and expand government
involvement in health care.
Republican Representative Joe Barton from Texas
said: "So, there is a choice. Bigger government,
more mandates, more control, less freedom. Or lower
costs, more opportunity, more freedom or more
choice. I vote for more freedom."
The bill aims to provide health coverage to
thirty-six million Americans. That would raise the
nation's coverage rate to about ninety-six percent.
The most disputed part of the bill is a "public
option" for individuals and small businesses. The
government would compete with private plans by
offering its own insurance -- based on payment rates
negotiated with providers.
The House bill would raise taxes on high earners to
help pay for the plan. It would also cut four
hundred billion dollars from health programs for the
retired and poor -- money that supporters of the
bill say is now being wasted.
Most Americans would have to buy insurance or pay a
fine; the government would help the needy. All but
the smallest businesses would have to offer
insurance for their workers or pay a tax. Some small
businesses could receive tax credits to help with
their costs. Insurance companies could not deny or
cancel coverage for people with pre-existing
conditions. And the industry would lose its
protection from anti-competitive laws.
And that's the VOA Special English Economics Report.
You can read more about the health care debate at
voaspecialenglish.com.
Hi. I
personally reviewed this video and found it appropriate for
the news section of English Global Group. This
is a Voice of America video which covers an interesting
topic in Special English. I would appreciate some feedback from both
students and teachers about this video. You can comment in
the window below using any of a number of different services
including Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, and Hotmail.
To post a comment:
• Click "Comment using..." in
the window below
• Click your favorite service: Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail
• Login to the service
• Click "Add a comment..."
• Post your comment in the window
Students: Please post a
comment stating what you found interesting about this video. You are
welcome to include links to your English study blogs and any
other materials you think might be useful for learning
English.
Teachers: Please post your
thoughts about this video. You are welcome to include links to
your sites, blogs, and any other materials you think might
be useful for learning English.
Hi. I
personally reviewed this video and found it appropriate for
the news section of English Global Group. This
is a Voice of America video which covers an interesting
topic in Special English. I would appreciate some feedback from both
students and teachers about this video. You can comment in
the window below using any of a number of different services
including Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, and Hotmail.
