http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/blog.html Health Reform Blog Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:03:35 -0400 Percussion Rhythmyx http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/preventioncouncil.html The new National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council, created by the Affordable Care Act, submitted its first status report to Congress today. Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid85661 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/working_together_to_implement_the_ACA.html Today I continued my series of bipartisan outreach meetings to engage leaders from inside and outside of government as we implement the Affordable Care Act.  It’s been just over three months since health insurance reform became law, and already Americans are gaining greater control over their health care. Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid85770 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/visitation.html There has been a tremendous amount of interest today in submitting an application for the Early Retiree Reinsurance Program, an important new program created by the Affordable Care Act. There have also been some questions. Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid85644 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/visitation.html You never know when you or a loved one might need to be admitted to a hospital for care. In those times of crisis, you should be able to decide who you want to have by your side. Taking another step forward in protecting patients’ rights, a new proposed rule would ensure that patients can choose their visitors during a hospital stay, including a visitor who is a same-sex domestic partner. Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid85055 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/physician_fee_fix.html President Obama released the following statement tonight after Congress took action on a short-term fix to the physician fee payment cut Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid85018 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/patientprotections.html A major goal of the Affordable Care Act is to put American consumers back in charge of their coverage and care. Today, President Obama announced new regulations that will crack down on some of the most egregious practices of the insurance industry to help people with pre-existing conditions gain coverage and keep it when they need it, and protect Americans’ choice of doctors. Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid84549 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/Sebeliusdiscussion.html Today marks the 90 day anniversary of the signing of the Affordable Care Act, the landmark new law that puts consumers, not health insurance companies, in charge of their own health care and HHS Secretary Sebelius will be on hand tomorrow to answer questions from the American people about the new law in a live web chat. Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid84445 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/workforce.html Primary care providers are the backbone of our health care system – which means that the stronger our health care workforce, the more likely patients can get the care they need when they need it. For too long, communities across the country have suffered from a shortage of primary care providers.  Without action, experts project a continued shortfall due to an aging population and fewer medical students choosing to go into primary care. But that is all about to change. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid83904 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/aca_prevention.html Our current health care system leaves many Americans without the preventive care that stops disease and illness before they start. What we need is an approach to health care that keeps people from getting sick in the first place, and that addresses the underlying drivers of chronic disease. Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid84044 http://www.healthreform.gov/forums/blog/bipartisan_advice_on_implementing_the_ACA.html As a former Governor and Insurance Commissioner, I believe that as part of our efforts to implement the Affordable Care Act, it is critical to reach out and take advantage of expertise outside government to ensure the new law is implemented as quickly and effectively as possible. We know that people had a variety of opinions during the debates on the legislation. But now the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and we all have a stake in implementing it. Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 guid83843