People Still In The Dark On Health Care Reform
Justine Williams waits in line at Food Now in Desert Hot Springs.
Riverside County decided to team up with the group to promote healthy living. They passed out fliers on healthy eating and other information. They also tested blood pressure.
And the health fair had Williams, who’s unemployed, thinking about her lack of health care coverage.
“None of us have enough healthcare. We can’t afford it so we have to come down to places like this so we can get things documented our illness or whatever,” said Williams.
It’s been six months since President Obama signed the landmark healthcare reform bill aimed at providing health care for millions of uninsured Americans.
But according to an Associated Press poll, just 30 percent of people are in favor and 40 percent opposed to the 10-year, nearly $1 trillion law.
President Obama says the opposition is because of misinformation.
Many people we talked with don’t know the details of the reforms.
“Probably not a lot of people don’t have TV out here,” said Sal Grillo of Desert Hot Springs.
“I don’t watch much TV so I’m clueless when it comes to that,” said Lisa Cashner, who’s on disability benefits.
Starting Thursday, young adults will be able to stay on their parents insurance plans until they turn 26.
Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to children based on pre-existing conditions
Insurers must also provide preventive service such as mammograms and colonoscopies without charging co-pays.
Insurance companies can no longer drop people when they get sick unless it’s in case of fraud.
Williams says there’s plenty of people who will benefit from the changes.
“There’s babies that are going without shots. That’s just really crazy,” said Williams.
Sal Grillo’s uncle has trouble paying for insulin and says he should learn about the law closing the medicare coverage gap for prescription drugs.
“He doesn’t realize what’s ahead for him. He’s unaware of it. Most people are they’re blind to it all,” said Grillo.
So while an apple a day might keep the doctor way, you might want to know what to expect if you land in their office.
