Last year, 2008, brought an unusually large amount of attention to the issues of health care and health insurance. This high level of activity speaks directly to the interest level that the public holds regarding health in this country these days. And when the public shows interest in a topic, legislators are generally swayed soon thereafter.
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.
The year brought a lot of state level activity as well. For the second time in three years, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have provided a single payer system. Though a proponent of comprehensive health care reform, he stated that the plan would place too much of a financial burden on the state. Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle axed the state's universal health care insurance program for children, citing budget constraints. And in Massachusetts, which already has a state subsidized health insurance program, lawmakers were forced to raise premiums. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Charlie Crist was able to pass a law for affordable insurance coverage through a new plan that stood out for its simplicity.
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.
Nationally, lawmakers passed a law that disallows health insurance companies to discriminate based on genetic information. And the health insurance industry also agreed to terms that would disallow coverage in the presence of pre-existing conditions, with the existence of a universal health insurance mandate in place. So there was much activity in 2008 and the issue will continue to grow in importance as the new Congress convenes. - 16928
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.
The year brought a lot of state level activity as well. For the second time in three years, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed legislation that would have provided a single payer system. Though a proponent of comprehensive health care reform, he stated that the plan would place too much of a financial burden on the state. Hawaii's Governor Linda Lingle axed the state's universal health care insurance program for children, citing budget constraints. And in Massachusetts, which already has a state subsidized health insurance program, lawmakers were forced to raise premiums. Meanwhile, Florida Governor Charlie Crist was able to pass a law for affordable insurance coverage through a new plan that stood out for its simplicity.
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.
Nationally, lawmakers passed a law that disallows health insurance companies to discriminate based on genetic information. And the health insurance industry also agreed to terms that would disallow coverage in the presence of pre-existing conditions, with the existence of a universal health insurance mandate in place. So there was much activity in 2008 and the issue will continue to grow in importance as the new Congress convenes. - 16928
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