For more than a century, our nation has debated ways to improve our health care system. In March 2010, the U.S. Congress made history by passing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reform health care. A long journey begins to make these changes to our nation's health care system. Some changes will happen fast, but the process in total will take years. Federal agencies will be responsible for taking more than one thousand pages of legislation and turning them into new regulations – rules that will govern markets, providers and insurers.
Providence believes that access to quality, affordable health care is a basic human right. This new law, while not perfect, is a major step toward a more just system where millions of people can get access to health care when they need it. Providence accepts our role as a reform leader and our responsibility to provide high-quality, affordable care and coverage. We know that access to health care improves the lives of individuals and families. To that end, the way health care is delivered must be transformed, especially in how care is organized and delivered to patients. In all of the work that is ahead, we cannot lose sight of what's at stake – not just a better health care system, but healthier communities.
The bill creates ways to provide basic health insurance to about 32 million people who are currently uninsured. It also will change payment systems for health care providers to reward quality and efficiency, and to allow providers to collaborate more on delivery of care. Here is a look at some of the major elements in the bill:
Government health insurance programs will cover more children and adults
Health insurance will be reformed so that more people can get coverage
By 2014, almost everyone will be expected to have basic health insurance
New models of care and better support for primary care
Quality care will be rewarded and lower quality care will be penalized
Changes to Medicare Advantage will recognize high-quality health plans
Larger employers will have new obligations with employee health insurance
Provides more prescription drug coverage for many seniors
New fees, taxes and provider payment reductions will help pay for the bill
Changes to personal taxes and deductions, HSAs and flexible spending accounts
Create a system to learn more about health care disparities
Encourage and promote health and wellness through programs and grants
Create a national, voluntary insurance program for assisted living/long-term care
Improve health care workforce training
For more details on these and other parts of the bill, plus a timeline of when changes will happen, a good summary can be found here: http://healthreform.kff.org/
Providence news and views
The Portland Business Journal: Health professionals expect big changes (March 26, 2010) Jack Friedman, chief executive of Providence Health Plans, comments on opportunities and challenges in the new federal reform bill. Includes quotes from other leaders.
Providence believes that access to quality, affordable health care is a basic human right.
Our commitment
Though health care reform will ultimately reduce the number of uninsured, there will always be people in need and Providence will be ready to help. This is our Mission. To learn more about how Providence Cares for our communities, click here.
