It’s rapidly approaching. That time when laws within the United States force a change in the healthcare payment structure. Are we all ready for it? What were the steps that led to this change?

President Obama shared his reasoning behind promoting an overhaul of the United States healthcare system. In a speech presented to the American Medical Association President Obama explained his decision to continue pressing for reform within the complex system. “The cost of our health care is a threat to our economy. It’s an escalating burden on our families and businesses. It’s a ticking time bomb for the federal budget. And it is unsustainable for the United States of America. If we fail to act, one out of every five dollars we earn will be spent on health care within a decade. So, to say it as plainly as I can, health care is the single most important thing we can do for America’s long-term fiscal health. That is a fact. That’s a fact,” President Obama said.

Regarding opposition to such a reform, the president claimed that the result for health care programs would eventually, “swamp our federal and state budgets, and impose a vicious choice of either unprecedented tax hikes, or overwhelming deficits, or drastic cuts in our federal and state budgets.”

The healthcare reform will begin on October 1st of this year where millions of uninsured Americans will have the opportunity to receive governmental subsidies in order to purchase health insurance. Though the possibility of technical glitches occurring is possible, the likely outcome of a complete shutdown is unlikely. According to Paul Van de Water from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, “The effects of a government shutdown on the implementation of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) are likely to be pretty small.”

Government officials are bracing for the activity next month by monitoring the Twitter account, Healthcare.gov and posting frequent updates.

Only 10 days until you can sign up for lower cost health coverage! Get ready now! http://t.co/xPY98UxIh9 pic.twitter.com/erVfq341Ob

— HealthCare.gov (@HealthCareGov) September 21, 2013

Not everyone is convinced that his reform will do what is says. Many hope further improvements are on the horizon.

The goal of healthcare reform should be to bend the cost curve down. Obamacare doesn't do this. So premiums will continue to rise.

— Bob (@Libertarian_76) September 23, 2013

@RepJeffDuncan what we need isn't insurance reform. We need cost reform. Post a pricing list – healthcare instantly cheaper.

— GP (@gpmcleer) September 22, 2013

[Image Via Wikimedia Commons And Courtesy Of Elizabeth Cromwell]