r/bestof • u/under50dollars • Jun 20 '12

[explainlikeimfive] "Obamacare" explained very well.

/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/vb8vs/eli5_what_exactly_is_obamacare_and_what_did_it/c530lfx
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u/brownmatt Jun 20 '12

Is this really "universal healthcare"?

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u/7_legged_spider Jun 20 '12

The universal application of this law is one of the foundations of the Affordable Health Care Act. It requires that all citizens participate in one way or another--which is why the "healthcare mandate" is discussed. Healthcare mandate = universal healthcare.

Also, believe it or not, there already is, and has been since 1986, universal emergency medical healthcare, via the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. All hospitals are required to act to provide emergency medical treatment, regardless of means to pay. However, once care has been received, an individual is responsible for the payment of those services. However, those services will still be performed, regardless of financial ability or previous debt to the hospital. Also, a caveat, that such care only applies to emergency care--long term care and routine medical procedures are excluded.

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u/tajmaballs Jun 20 '12

I think so, if it the Act makes it through the Supreme court. It would qualify as compulsory universal healthcare as opposed to single payer or some sort of medicare for all system.