Obama Signs Historic Health Care Bill

"Everybody should have some basic security when it comes to their health care," the president said. The measure will require Americans to have insurance.

23 March 2010

The mother of 11-year-old Marcelas Owens, left, died after she lost her insurance coverage. Since then his family has campaigned for reform.

This is the VOA Special English Health Report.

President Obama has signed legislation to make the biggest changes in the health care system in forty-five years.

BARACK OBAMA: "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. [Applause]"

Many parts of the plan will fully take effect in four years. But some take effect quickly. For example, in six months the new law will bar insurance companies from denying coverage to children with pre-existing health conditions. Adults with pre-existing conditions will be added in four years.

The government will help millions of people pay for insurance. It will also permit millions more to receive free coverage through the Medicaid program for the poor.

In all, the plan aims to make health insurance available to thirty-two million people now without it. People will be able to buy private policies through marketplaces called exchanges to be administered by the states. Illegal immigrants will not be able to take part.