McDonald's health reform fears prove unwarranted, but danger lies ahead

Recent reports have suggested that health-care reform would lead to McDonald's workers losing coverage, to rate increases, to insurance companies leaving the business and to millions of seniors having to switch Medicare Advantage plans. It looks increasingly like most of those reports are proving unfounded. The reality? For the next year at least, people will see gains from health-care reform, not losses.

Most of the changes so far have resulted in increased health-care benefits for many -- granted, at a slightly higher cost. Some consumers now enjoy greater preventative care coverage without deductibles, they can consult a gynecologist without having to get an insurance company referral first, and they may be able to keep their child on the family plan until age 26.