Health Care Reform: What You Need to Know
As the federal government tries to reform the health care system in the U.S., many concerns have come up as to how it will work and how it will affect everyday people. The following Web pages should help to explain what's really going on.
The Basics
Key Players in Health Care Reform Debate
From the AARP, this page tells you who the key people are in the debate and where they stand.
PolitiFact: Sorting out the truth in politics
Reporters and editors from the St. Petersburg Times fact-check statements by many of the politicians and pundits who are debating the issue.
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) - Health
The CBO provides information and estimates required for the Congressional budget process. CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) worked together to produce a preliminary analysis of H.R. 3200, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009.
The White House - Health Care Reform
The White House explains the President's position.
House Health Care Bill: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009
The bill the House of Representatives has been working on so far.
Senate Health Care Bill: Affordable Health Choices Act (PDF)
The U.S. Senate's current bill.
Background
Health Insurance: MedlinePlus
The National Library of Medicine explains the basics on how health insurance works and how to find what works best for your needs.
Health Insurance Resource Center
An independent site offering consumer information on affordable health and medical coverage.
Health Insurance: USA.gov
The U.S. government's page on everything dealing with health care and health insurance, from COBRA to Medicare to prescriptions drug plans.
U.S. Census Bureau Health Insurance
Who has health insurance? Who used to have it? The Census Bureau has the numbers you need.
In Maryland
Maryland Health Insurance Plan (MHIP)
A state-managed health insurance program for Maryland residents who have been unable to obtain health insurance from other sources.
Maryland Health Care Commission Home Page
An independent regulatory agency that plans for health system needs, promotes informed decision-making, increases accountability, and improves access in a rapidly changing health care environment.
Contact Your Elected Officials
Contact Elected Officials
Make your voice heard, and let your Congress person know how you feel about this issue.
Ask Us
If you have specific questions about health care, feel free to e-mail us, call 410-396-5317 or write to:
Business, Science, and Technology Department
Enoch Pratt Free Library
State Library Resource Center
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
