Short-term health plans would give Americans more health care options, although there are flaws. Action Alert!
One of the fundamental problems with Obamacare is that it allows the government to define what “health” and “health care” are. The result has been ever-increasing prices for health insurance that covers a range of services consumers don’t want, while not offering the care that consumers do want. Through executive orders, the Trump administration is instructing federal agencies to come up with proposals that offer more health insurance options outside of the government-run health care exchanges.
Last week, a proposed rule was released to implement President Trump’s executive order on short-term health plans. The rule amends the definition of short-term health plans— lengthening the maximum period of short-term insurance from three to twelve months. Importantly, short-term health plans do not have to adhere to many Obamacare regulations, and would present a cheaper health insurance option for many Americans.
The rule asks for public comment on whether or how such plans could be renewed. Under Obamacare, short term plans are not renewable.
If short-term health insurance plans can be easily renewed, this may be a way to avoid costly Obamacare plans. Cheaper, short-term health plans that cover catastrophic incidents could be purchased and renewed indefinitely, and integrative services could be paid for out of pocket using Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).
This is not the parallel, consumer-driven health care system ANH advocates for, but it is an important step in that direction.
There has been criticism of Trump’s plan to extend short-term coverage, including worries that these plans may not cover pre-existing conditions or be renewable for those who develop certain medical conditions. But those who wish to stay with Obamacare in order to receive them can.
Much hinges on how the rule is finally written and whether or not short-term plans can be automatically renewed. We need more health care options outside of the Obamacare model. With the failure of Congress to pass health care reform, this rule, in addition to expanded access to association health plans, represents some relief from the health insurance straight jacket.
Action Alert! Send comments to the Department of Health and Human Services, Congress, and President Trump supporting this rule and urging the department to make short-term health plans renewable. Please send your message immediately.
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If one uses only natural medicine there is little need for “health insurance.” All Pharmaceutical drugs are toxic to the human body. Don’t believe me? Just read the list of side effects, which come from them being toxic. Avoid all chemicals, preservatives, food additives, and processed foods and watch your health flourish.
You are absolutely right. My whole approach has been prevention and I use nothing but natural remedies if I need something. They work beautifully, no side effects; just great results. I take no prescription drugs and I am 77….with a goal to NEVER take them.
Maybe more people will catch on!
You are so right. I got rid of serious tumors twice in 1976 and 1988 by eliminating the foods that “fueled” them. Nothing grows without a fuel; the fuel which I unknowingly used were natural foods with too much protein and carbs. I eliminated specific foods and within 2-1/2 months the tumors disappeared both times. The first time I got a tumor, I went to two medical doctors. Both told me they would give me no guarantees unless I had it surgically removed. I told the next doctor I went to for a second opinion; everyone is going to die sometime; and I was going to go home and pray for an answer. The answer came. Today, it is even worse…with trying to avoid GMO foods, pesticides and foods grown in ultra poor soil. It is amazing people can even function.
Health Care that does not include acupuncture, chiropractic care, nutrition, muscle work/massage is not health care. I’ve no desire to take drugs, use treatments or even go to a hospital. I wonder why so many want toxic drugs with side effects, invasive treatments or be in a staph-riddled, malnutrition-creating hospital. They are not my idea of health benefits.
I will never understand that unless they have a subconscious death wish.
I wonder why all the propaganda works so well on some and yet has no effect on others?
Certain illnesses can be cured with natural medicine. Certain kinds of manipulation can be most helpful with bodily problems causing pain. I have experienced both. There is very good inexpensive books about how to use natural medicine such as homeopathy. I learned such it 30 years ago. Such was developed in Europe about 100 years ago. Herbs are also helpful. Find literature if you cannot access a physician that uses natural medicine as well as has been trained in manipulation and massage. Acupuncture is also been used more and more I have experienced in the West Coast cities of Seattle, Portland, Oregon and many cities in California such as San Francisco and Los Angeles.
I saw a clear picture of how the system works, when my ex-husband was treated for cancer…costly agony with no chance of an good outcome.
Your are experienced and educated. I have benefitted for decades after trying natural medicine. Inexpensive usually. There is much information that is available in many book stores. Also much on the Internet.