Obamacare has some key elements to the policy. The main key element is the requirement of every individual to purchase government approved heath care insurance. Families and individuals currently carrying insurance will be able to keep those plans. Tax credits will be issued to families and individuals that make less than four hundred percent below federal poverty line, who do not qualify for Medicaid. Also, there will be a requirement to health care insurances to cover reproduction preventatives for women without and fees or co-pays. Next, a brief history of the policy will be discussed (Obamacare, n/a.dd).
A system of federalism is lacking in the Obamacare Policy. Federalism was created to balance the power between federal and state governments. Obamacare is lacking the governance of state and local entities, leaving the federal government as the sole power. The federal government is forcing an individual mandate to every individual to purchase health insurance, but legally is it the states that have the authority to make the final decisions on governmental programs. There is tension that if the states buck the federal government of the issue, they may lose federal funding for Medicaid. There are pros and cons to the new policy (Obamacare, 2010).
There are several pros to Obamacare. It was created to reduce the overall health care deficit by having every individual care health insurance. This would promote health and be a preventive to the emergency room. Those who can afford insurance will be added to Medicaid or given a tax break to purchase insurance. Children can stay on their parent’s plans up to age twenty six and children with pre-existing conditions will not be denied coverage. Families and individuals with current medical coverage can continue utilizing their current plans. Finally, there is an estimate of hundred and forty three million dollars subtracted from the budget deficit over the next ten years. Next, the cons will be discussed (Obamacare, n/a. Dd).
In conclusion, the researcher discussed key elements of the policy, gave a brief history of the policy, discussed the issues of “federalism”, listed the pros and cons of the policy, and evaluated the policy through two different perspectives. The framers of the US Constitution would question the Obamacare policy. The Obamacare policy is lacking the division of power, also known as “Federalism”, which was created to balance the federal and state government. This policy has created conflict throughout the United States since its beginning and future tension continues to grow.