Reform would help Alabama

One thing that has been missing from the health care discussions is a localized look at how the proposed reform measures would affect the health and well-being of our communities.

A few days ago, however, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce released district-by-district reports for each state outlining how H.R. 3962 would specifically benefit the people living in each district.

Reviewing the information in these reports for Alabama's congressional districts shows the tremendous good this reform bill would bring to the health and financial security of the people of Alabama.

In the district encompassing the Mobile metro area, represented by Congressman Jo Bonner, a few numbers stand out. According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, if Congress enacts the reforms in this bill, 77,000 people in the district who do not currently have health insurance could receive coverage.

Additionally, 186,000 households in the district would qual ify for "affordability credits" to help purchase health coverage.

Currently, 14,000 people in this area have pre-existing medical conditions that could prevent them from buying health insurance. Under the bill's insurance reforms, insurance companies could no longer refuse coverage for those with pre-existing conditions, so these Alabamians would be able to purchase affordable coverage.

Also, in this district in 2008, there were 2,400 health care-related bankruptcies — those caused primarily because of health care costs not covered by insurance.

Because this legislation caps yearly out-of-pocket costs at $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for families and eliminates lifetime limits on insurance coverage, families would be much less likely to face financial ruin because of a medical condition or accident.

Small businesses also stand to benefit greatly. Much like individuals trying to purchase health coverage on their own, small businesses face many disadvantages in the marketplace, generally paying more and getting less than larger businesses.

Under the bill's provisions, 15,600 small businesses in the 1st District with up to 100 employees would have the opportunity to purchase coverage through a health insurance exchange, benefitting from group rates and a greater choice of insurers.

Additionally, the 13,700 small businesses in the area with up to 25 employees and average salaries of less than $40,000 would qualify for tax credits that would offset up to 50 percent of the cost of providing health insurance for their employees.

As a final vote on health reform nears, members of Alabama's congressional delegation owe it to their constituents to give serious consideration to the unprecedented benefits this bill offers to the people of Alabama.

Vaughan Branch, J.D., is a health care fellow for the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice. The Press-Register welcomes submissions for "Your Word" on topics of general interest. Essays should contain about 650 words and be mailed to "Your Word," P.O. Box 2488, Mobile, Ala. 36652 or sent via e-mail to letters@press-register.com.