The details on President Obama's healthcare reform guarantees

Yes, Volunteers For Change-Fresno remains nonpartisan. But we thought it informative to share this note from Kate Folmar, Communications Director for the California Democratic Party.

Titled 'President Obama’s Eight Health Insurance Reform Guarantees,' the note explains what is included in the President's healthcare reform plan.

#1- No Discrimination for Pre-Existing Conditions

In the past three years, 12.6 million of Americans were discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition, which could include anything from diabetes, to chronic asthma, to bi-polar disorder. Millions who want health insurance but can’t get it because insurance companies are allowed to deny coverage and cherry-pick their customers, leaving people who need insurance the most out of the system.

Health insurance reform will prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

#2- No Exorbitant Out-of-Pocket Expenses, Deductibles or Co-Pays

Right now there is no set limit on the amount your insurance company can charge you for out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles and co-pays. High costs make it harder - even for people who have good insurance - to actually use their coverage.

Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to abide by yearly caps when it comes to how much they are allowed to charge for out-of-pocket expenses.

#3- No Cost-Sharing for Preventive Care

Right now when you go to the doctor for a check up or to get a standard test, like a mammogram, the patient pays a fee (a co-payment). Even if you have good insurance, co-pays of $15 or $20 or $25 a visit can add up fast. Many people skip regular check ups and delay standard tests because they are too pricey, even though preventative care is one of the best ways to catch health issues before they become more serious.

Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to FULLY COVER preventative care. That means you don’t pay a dime for your yearly check up.

#4- No Dropping of Coverage for Seriously Ill

Right now there’s no law stopping insurance companies from watering-down your coverage or dumping you all together if you get sick. That means if you fall ill with cancer, diabetes or heart disease, your health insurance provider can abandon you just when you need the help the most.

Health insurance reform will prohibit insurance companies from dropping coverage when you get sick.

#5- No Gender Discrimination

Right now - unbelievably - insurance companies are permitted to discriminate on the basis of gender. Usually that means women in America pay more for health insurance than men.

Health insurance reform will prohibit that practice. Men and woman pay the same price for the same plan - no ifs, ands or buts.

#6- No Annual or Lifetime Caps on Coverage

Right now your insurance company has the power to limit the amount of coverage you can receive per year, or over the course of your lifetime. So, for example, if you hit your coverage “limit” in November, but break your ankle in December, you might be out of luck. Talk about rationing care!

Health insurance reform will prevent insurance companies from placing annual or lifetime caps on the coverage you receive. If you have insurance, and you need medical treatment, you’ll be able to access it - no matter what.

#7- Extended Coverage for Young Adults

Right now under most plans the day your child turns 18 is the day you - as a parent - lose the ability guarantee your child access to health insurance. That’s why young people are among the largest uninsured groups in America. Your son or daughter is more vulnerable than ever, just as they strike out in the world.

Health insurance reform will make children eligible for family coverage through the age of 26.

#8- Guaranteed Insurance Renewal

Right now if you switch jobs or become ill - right around the time your plan is set to renew or expire - an insurance company is allowed to terminate your coverage.

Health insurance reform will require insurance companies to renew any policy as long as the policyholder pays their premium in full - and they won’t be allowed to refuse renewal if the holder becomes ill.

V4CFers: What are your thoughts on this? Please leave us your thoughts by clicking the 'Comments' link below.