The Future of Health Care and Health Insurance in 2009

The Democrats now have strengthened majorities in both Chambers of U.S. Congress and the White House.That hasn't happened since President Bill Clinton's first term. Democratic lawmakers have been long proponents of universal health care and insurance ideas, and expanding the federal government's role in health care.

Now that the Democrats have the power, will they be able to alter the health care system as it is? We will take a look at a few of the main concerns that will need to be focused on by Obama and Congress. We will rate these from the least expected to be changed to most expected, within the first term of Obama's office.

A one-payer universal health care and health insurance system in the United States is a long shot, no matter who is in office. President-elect Barack Obama has said if he could do it over, he would start with a one-payer system, but also said it's likely not realistic. Universal coverage for everyone probably won't happen in the next 20 years, if ever.

Mandates for businesses to provide health benefits or help employees buy coverage- This was a big piece of Obama's health reform plan - require all businesses, except small businesses, to offer coverage to their employees or help them pay for their own plans. But expect this part of his plan to be heavily opposed by business groups, and a likely candidate for a U.S. Senate filibuster by the Republicans.

Another piece of Obama's plan was to allow every American to buy into the group health insurance plan that's currently only available for federal employees. On the surface, this seems like a good idea to let happen - the more participants in the group, the better they can negotiate with health insurance companies for lower rates. On the other hand, no one knows what this might cost the government and the taxpayers to fund.

The battle to expand the SCHIP has been going on for two years now. The bill has been passed twice by Congress only to have Bush veto it both times. With Obama in office, and him having voted for it already, it will probably be an easy one.

Many different people agree that having medical records being moved from paper to computer will only lower medical errors and improve care. It will also lower overall health costs and administrative costs. We are sure this will be happening in the next few years.