Healthcare reform

Are you confused by the politics and provisions of national health care reform? If so, you’re not alone. Passage of national health care reform would be historic, promising dramatic changes in the ways people with HIV/AIDS gain access to and afford their health care.

Over at Progress Illinois, Angela Caputo has a great (and concise!) summary of the how health reform will help Illinois. It comes form a report HHS released yesterday describing how health reform will help each state. We give it two thumbs up.

"Here's the estimated take-away in Illinois (this analysis does not factor in the local impact of a public option):

The health care reform legislation now under consideration in Congress, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, will ensure that future applicants for coverage in America cannot be denied because of a pre-existing condition and offer essential choice in terms of selecting a suitable plan.

Because of the current patchwork nature of our government health care assistance and the prohibitively high cost of private insurance, millions of Americans fall through the cracks created by the health care system.  Whether it be unaffordable premiums, a pre-existing condition, an unreasonable Medicaid spend down, or simply high c

For many Americans with chronic health conditions, access to affordable prescription drugs is a life or death matter.  The health care reform bills moving through Congress will close the “donut hole” or Medicare Part D coverage gap and end it over time, providing a tremendous benefit for many seniors and people with disabilities.  Without ade

Identifying and treating illnesses as early as possible is the best way to prevent further damage to one’s health, but what if the costs associated with proper detection and care are too expensive?  For many this is a reality.  In our health care system those wealthy enough to afford suc

Those suffering from chronic health issues like HIV or AIDS are at a tremendous financial disadvantage because of the overwhelming cost of quality, long-term medical care and treatment.  Even if they are lucky enough to be covered, the out-of-pocket fees, high pr

The Chicago Sun-Times reported this week that residents of the Chicago suburbs can save 14-25% on health insurance, compared to Chicago residents. 

Whew, last week was a whirlwind for the HIV/AIDS community! Years of advocacy finally paid off on several fronts: President Obama signed the Ryan White CARE Act reauthorization, the United States finally ended its discriminatory policy of prohibiting HIV-positive people from visiting or immigrating to the country, and the House of Representatives released its health care reform bill, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  Yes sir! The community’s tireless advocacy is bringing about some serious pozitive changes for people living with HIV. Here’s a breakdown of each of the advances.

Check out the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's (AFC) Vice President David Munar live on CNN talking about why people living with HIV/AIDS need comprehensive health care reform.

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