August 14 — A lot of angry, over-the-top rhetoric is muddying our discussion of health care reform. To help clear things up, here's a brief summary of President Obama's plan, including how it will stop insurance company abuses and help you—even if you currently have a strong health benefits plan.

Health care reform will stop insurance company abuses.

Insurance companies won't be able to refuse to pay a claim or give you coverage because of "pre-existing" conditions. Your out-of-pocket expenses will be capped. No more going broke because of a serious illness or injury. Insurance companies won't be allowed to charge women higher rates than men or drop you if you get sick. Insurance companies will have to cover your children until age 26 instead of dumping them at 19.

Health care reform will hold down rising costs.

A public health insurance option will force private insurers to compete and will lower costs for everyone. By requiring companies to pay their fair share, we'll stop them from dumping their health care costs on the rest of us.

Health reform means affordable care will be there for you, no matter what. If you lose your job, or your kid loses his. If you get sick. When you retire. You and your family can't fall through the cracks and won't go broke because of health care bills.

For more information about how health care reform can help you and for answers to many of the common questions about President Obama's plan, check out this new web resource from the White House.

The reality is that health care costs are spiraling out of control, and everyone in America deserves quality and affordable care. Health care reform simply can't wait. We will all be better off with real reform.