At Wendt Family Insurance, we realize that the new legislation has raised a lot of questions about how reform will impact your current health plan, and I
want you to know we are working diligently to help answer all of your questions.On March 21, the House passed a health care reform package consisting of two bills. The primary bill (the
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act) was the Senate-passed reform legislation. Upon passage, the House sent the bill to the President, who signed it March 23, 2010.
The second bill (the
Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010) was a budget reconciliation measure. This bill makes changes to the primary reform bill. The House sent it to the Senate after passage. The Senate
made minor changes and has sent it back to the House for approval. We expect the House to pass it in short order and send it to the President for signature.
The day after the President signed the bill, 13 states filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's authority
to pass the law. The suit focuses on the individual mandate. Arizona Governor Brewer wants to file a lawsuit, but Attorney General (and gubernatorial candidate) Terry Goddard does not.
Insurance companies throughout Arizona are already making adjustments based on what we know, although much more lies ahead in the form of agency regulations and advisory options.
I know you are eager to understand the outcome of reform. In the months ahead, I will keep you apprised of the changes that will affect you. In the mean time, I have found the Kaiser Family Foundation web site at
Health Care Reform Update