Healthcare Reform: A New Era?

The World Health Organization ranks the U.S. healthcare system number 37 in the world. Every minute, eight people are denied coverage, charged a higher rate, or discriminated against because of a pre-existing condition. Currently, one of every six dollars spent in the U.S. goes towards healthcare.

However, that might change soon. On Mar. 23, President Obama scribbled in a new era of healthcare for the United States. Surrounded by top Democratic leaders in the East Room, the president affixed his signature to the Affordable Health Care for America Act that had passed on Mar. 21 in the House of Representatives. Changes to the bill were later approved by the House and the Senate.

"Today, after almost a century of trying; today, after over a year of debate; today, after all the votes have been tallied - health insurance reform becomes law in the United States of America," declared Obama on Mar. 21.

The law had twelve months of conflict behind it. Obama made promises about healthcare reform on the campaign trail, and after a long struggle, his goal was finally met. The president had fervently encouraged Democrats and Republicans in Congress to support the bill, but over the course of the year, support for healthcare reform has fluctuated.

The bill passed in the House of Representatives by a mere seven votes, with a final tally of 219-212. Thirty-four Democrats voted against the bill, joining all Republicans who also opposed reform.

According to whitehouse.gov, 95 percent of Americans – 32 million people – will be insured under the new plan. Specific reforms for young adults will also take place. According to TIME magazine, everyone age 26 or younger will be eligible for insurance through their parents under the new law. Young people who buy insurance on their own will be able to purchase it at cheaper rates than before. All Americans are expected to stay covered unless they qualify for an exemption. These reforms are expected to help insure the 30 percent of Americans ages 19-29 who are now uninsured.

Of course, Vice President Joe Biden had his moment, too.

After introducing Obama at a bill-signing ceremony on Mar. 23, Biden privately remarked to Obama, "This is a big (expletive) deal." However, audio and video captured this blunt commentary from the vice president. This is not the first of Biden's verbal blunders, but it's one of his most prominent ones, sure to be remembered in connection with the historic passage of the bill.

Instead of covering up Biden's slip, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs embraced it via his Twitter account. "Powerful moment when the President described the people he was signing this for and for the millions back in control of their health care," Gibbs tweeted, then: "And yes Mr. Vice President, you're right."