Congressional Research Service 4

Reforms Prior to Full Implementation

Health insurance reform is a major issue in the 111th Congress, driven predominantly by longterm
and growing concerns around access, cost, and quality of care.7 The practices of some health
insurance companies have been cited as meriting immediate reform, such as unreasonable annual
or lifetime limits,8 rescissions,9 and discrimination against individuals with pre-existing conditions. The cost, reflected in rising health insurance premiums, and the quality of care have also been noted as significant concerns requiring immediate attention.10 These issues and other items are featured in the immediate reform sections of both bills.