Although health care reform is confusing, it is also an exciting time in our history to improve the health of individuals in our communities, Kim Whitley told members of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce Wednesday during that groups monthly lunch forum.

Whitley is the chief operating officer for Samaritan Health Plan Operations, which serves nearly 62,000 members. She has degrees in biology and psychology from Gonzaga University and a masters degree in public administration with an emphasis in health care from the University of Idaho.

Whitley used a YouTube video to summarize the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (often referred to as Obamacare).

It noted that companies with more than 50 employees will be required to provide health care insurance or pay a penalty. Companies with fewer employees will be given tax incentives to help offset premium costs for their employees.

The act will not create much change for older Americans on Medicare, but Medicaid will expand considerably, offering coverage to millions of low-income people who are currently not covered.

Each individual state has the option of opting in or out of the Medicaid program expansion.

The act creates a health insurance marketplace, which was compared to an insurance megamall.

Individuals will be able to pick the amount and type of coverage they want or need, and in turn, balance their premiums.

There will be tax credits for low-income people, but the goal is to cover all Americans in some fashion either through their employer, the government or individual payments.

To support the changes financially, there will be new taxes, especially by wealthier individuals.

Link:

Samaritan COO outlines health care changes, opportunities