Latest update: 18/03/2010 

- Barack Obama - healthcare reform - insurance - USA


Too poor to be poorly: uninsured Americans hope healthcare bill will be passed

The final touches have been made to Barack Obama's flagship policy on healthcare reform and the bill is now ready to go before the House of Representatives. The proposals have received staunch opposition from Republicans, but if passed, the new law will extend insurance coverage to 30 million Americans - many of whom simply can't afford to be ill.

Libyan refugees rejected by Italy set up camp in Hamburg
12/06/2013 - GERMANY

Libyan refugees rejected by Italy set up camp in Hamburg

When the Libyan war broke out two years ago, thousands fled the country in search of security and employment. Many made their way to the island of Lampedusa in Italy, but the Italian authorities closed reception facilities, and gave the migrants a few hundred euros to leave. Now hundreds of Africans from Togo, Ghana and the Ivory Coast have set up camp in Hamburg. Our correspondents spoke to some who have taken up quarters in a church.
Kiev told to address press freedoms if it wants to join the EU
11/06/2013 - UKRAINE

Kiev told to address press freedoms if it wants to join the EU

Ukraine is being accused of attacks on freedom of expression, journalists, imprisoning opposition leaders and failing to implement promised reforms. Reporters Without Borders says it is deeply worried about journalism in the country after Ukraine slid 10 places in its press freedom rankings last year. It's all adding up to stronger criticism from the US and EU and making it less likely that Ukraine will be able to sign an Association Agreement with the EU as planned this autumn.
Race, gun control and the US justice system in the spotlight as Zimmerman trial gets underway
10/06/2013 - USA

Race, gun control and the US justice system in the spotlight as Zimmerman trial gets underway

The trial of Florida neighbourhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman began on Monday. Zimmerman stands accused of murdering 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, in February of last year. He believed Martin looked and was acting suspiciously. The case caused uproar in the United States amid allegations of racial profiling, and sparked a closer look at the country's continuing gun control debate.
Israel deemed most impoverished OECD country
07/06/2013 - ISRAEL

Israel deemed most impoverished OECD country

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Israel has the worst poverty rate of the 34-member rich nation club. The country has often been hailed as a success story build on high-tech industries. Now the cracks are appearing. Benjamin Netanyahu's government struggled to find answers when unprecedented protests over housing costs broke out in 2011.
Women imprisoned for being raped in Somalia
06/06/2013 - SOMALIA

Women imprisoned for being raped in Somalia

In Somalia, women who fled a famine two years ago are now falling prey to rape by militias and even government troops. These attacks are taking place in displaced camps where they hoped to find refuge. An organisation is helping victims, offering counselling and legal support, but it's uphill battle in a country where speaking out against rape is still widely considered taboo. In January this year, a woman was even sent to prison after complaining that she was violated by government soldiers.

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U.S. Healthcare

What's wrong with the U.S. Healthcare program is it's set up on a "for profit" business basis. 40% of the money paid into private "for profit" insurance goes into somebodies pocket. This is easily shown by comparing the GNP. The UK spends about 8% of their GNP on national healthcare and they cover everyone. The U.S. spends 15% of their GNP on healthcare and they don't cover everyone. That's what will be bankrupt the U.S.

The private insurance companies in the U.S. are against national healthcare and try to scare the public into believing the government is taking their freedom away.

Not all poor in US in favor of healthcare

A lot of us believe nationalizing healthcare is against the constitution and is going to further bankrupt the nation with yet another entitlement program it can not afford.

Medicaid and Medicare

Why was there no mention of Medicaid? American citizens who are unemployed qualify for state Medicaid programs. Why did this program not mention that? Further, why did it not mention the biggest criticism conservatives have been raising against a federal plan? That they ideologically disagree with it?

The current system needs reform, but it is those who are working and unable to afford good insurance due to prexisting conditions or other reasons that are the most vulnerable. There is a gap between the working middle class and poor who could use some help but do not qualify and the poor and elderly who already qualify for medicare and medicaid.

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