President Expected to Sign Healthcare Reform Bill

The debate over healthcare reform has been ongoing for many months, and a bill has been passed by the House of Representatives and is on its way to President Obama, and then the Senate. The President may sign the bill as early as tomorrow. The bill could remain in the Senate for some time, as at least 20 hours of debate is required, but it is expected to take much longer as several amendments could be put forth.

The big question is: what does this mean for those of us with chronic conditions? Will we be free from pre-existing conditions clauses and sky-high treatment costs? Will we have more freedom to choose our providers or less? These questions remain largely unanswerable today, but About.com Health Guides have some insights to share. Trisha Torrey, About.com Guide to Patient Empowerment has outlined her questions and concerns about the bill, which are valid for us all. Michael Bihari, MD, About.com Guide to Health Insurance provides his take on how our insurance coverage will change.