The year 2008 was not a quiet one on the health care and health insurance front. There was lots of activity and legislation that came to the fore. In fact, it was the most active year in several, with regard to the number of issues that were addressed. This high level of activity tells us that health care and health insurance are on the minds of the public, and thus on the agendas of legislators. Here's a look at some of the highlights in health insurance and health care for 2008:
Health benefits occurred across the food spectrum, as dark chocolate finally got its day. It was determined that dark chocolate does contribute to better blood circulation, as well as lowering blood pressure. And in May, McDonald's decided to stop the use of oils containing trans fats in U.S. and Canada restaurants. Eating french fries won't quite be the same. And more regarding trans fats, the state of California became the first state in the nation to ban the use of trans fats in restaurants.
State legislators were busy on the health care front. After aggressively promoting comprehehensive health care reform, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have established a state-run universal health care program, citing excess stress on the state's coffers. In Hawaii, Governor Linda Lingle cut the state's children's health care program, because of budget concerns. And in Massachusetts, legislators were forced to raise premiums for the state's comprehensive health program. Meanwhile in Florida, Governor Charlie Crist was able to get a law passed that will offer affordable insurance coverage for 3.8 million Floridians not currently covered.
Making good on 2008 campaign promises, Barack Obama has already begun lay foundation for the issue of comprehensive health care to be addressed quickly. He selected former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle as his pick for Department of Health and Human Services. As well, Senator Ted Kennedy vowed to concentrate on getting a workable plan passed, giving up his seat on the Senate Judiciary committee in order to devote more time to the issue.
Federally, a law was passed that prohibits discrimination based on genetic information received by health insurance companies. And the health insurance industry also agreed to support a universal health insurance mandate which would include a plan that would prohibit denial of coverage to any person with pre-existing conditions. So 2008 was a very active year for health care and health insurance. That says something about the importance of the subject in the minds of the American people. - 15224
Health benefits occurred across the food spectrum, as dark chocolate finally got its day. It was determined that dark chocolate does contribute to better blood circulation, as well as lowering blood pressure. And in May, McDonald's decided to stop the use of oils containing trans fats in U.S. and Canada restaurants. Eating french fries won't quite be the same. And more regarding trans fats, the state of California became the first state in the nation to ban the use of trans fats in restaurants.
State legislators were busy on the health care front. After aggressively promoting comprehehensive health care reform, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have established a state-run universal health care program, citing excess stress on the state's coffers. In Hawaii, Governor Linda Lingle cut the state's children's health care program, because of budget concerns. And in Massachusetts, legislators were forced to raise premiums for the state's comprehensive health program. Meanwhile in Florida, Governor Charlie Crist was able to get a law passed that will offer affordable insurance coverage for 3.8 million Floridians not currently covered.
Making good on 2008 campaign promises, Barack Obama has already begun lay foundation for the issue of comprehensive health care to be addressed quickly. He selected former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle as his pick for Department of Health and Human Services. As well, Senator Ted Kennedy vowed to concentrate on getting a workable plan passed, giving up his seat on the Senate Judiciary committee in order to devote more time to the issue.
Federally, a law was passed that prohibits discrimination based on genetic information received by health insurance companies. And the health insurance industry also agreed to support a universal health insurance mandate which would include a plan that would prohibit denial of coverage to any person with pre-existing conditions. So 2008 was a very active year for health care and health insurance. That says something about the importance of the subject in the minds of the American people. - 15224
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