The conservatives have begun the last battle to oppose President Obama's initiative to reform healthcare system in this country aimed at providing affordable coverage to all Americans. During the President's speech at the joint session of US congress, Joe Wilson, a Republican lawmaker protested uttering the phrase, 'You lie!' At a conservative protest rally in Washington, references were made to the President that critics term as 'racially motivated'. Questions about Obama's citizenship have also been raised in some quarters.
But Obama has made it clear not to be distracted from his mission of reforming healthcare in the country because of such incidents. White House considers such allegations as efforts by interest groups to divert the nation's attention from the great debate that has engulfed the nation. The president wants to provide a system in which every citizen is able to choose an affordable healthcare insurance policy based on competitive prices to be made available in the market.
Currently, Americans have to depend on an insurance plan that is offered by their employers. Once the reform plans is turned into a legislation by the US Congress and signed by the President, Americans will be empowered to choose from a wide variety of health plans. The insurance companies would be motivated to charge affordable rates in order to attract more customers. At the same time insurance companies that failed to treat customers with respect and indulged in overcharging for services would be discouraged and eventually would have no option than to function in a fairer manner.
As the President elaborated in his speech at Capitol Hill, the bills that are pending in the Congress would create an exchange system in which the consumer would have access to prices of various plans. It will then be easier to compare the prices before choosing a suitable plan. The companies who would participate in such an insurance exchange would work on a mandate to offer coverage to whoever wanted to buy a plan without discriminating on the basis of age, gender or health status.
It is estimated that approximately 25 million people might be benefited by the new system. However, those already having an insurance will continue to keep their plans. The President has made the healthcare reform policy as his topmost priority as he declared that he wanted to be the last President to tackle this issue. It means that he is determined to bring a conclusion to the healthcare reform that has been debated for decades without the nation reaching a final stage. While arguing in the favor of the universal healthcare Obama thought it important to clarify a number of doubts that have been flown around by those who want status quo.
Assuring elderly citizens Obama made it clear that he was committed to protect the existing government run healthcare scheme, 'Medicare', adding that the notion that the reform policy would deny care to elderly was unfounded. It is clear that the President is keen to bring a plan that is accepted by both his supporters and the opponents. The nation remains deeply divided on the issue and obstacles are not yet cleared to pass a bill that reflects the vision of the President.
The process to offer universal healthcare was started by the former President Bill Clinton in 1993. Clinton began the process that remained unfinished during his presidency. President Obama has taken the responsibility to end this process. To reach his goal he showed his willingness to work with Republicans as he indicated during his speech when he announced to incorporate an idea from his former rival Senator John McCain that poor should be protected against mounting medical expenses that could drive people to bankruptcy.
Obama is using economic and bipartisan wisdom to fulfill his promises made during the 2008 presidential campaign. He definitely has the support of the majority of Americans. However, the battle is not yet over. The opponents of reform are bent upon waging a last battle that needs to be fought by Obama supporters with patience.
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