Let’s face it; the affordable care act is not
something any of us want to read; heck, most Senators and Congress people
likely still haven’t read it. Even Speaker Pelosi admitted they had to pass it
first so they could see what was in it. It was passed by congress, signed by
the president, and the Supreme Court has said it is constitutional. It is the
Law. So, as simply as possible, let us break it down into easy to digest
pieces and see what it really is.
Basically, the Affordable Care Act (yes it is the same thing as Obama
care) is designed to give all Americans access to health
insurance. If you already have health insurance, it gives you some new
benefits. Some changes have already taken place. Existing plans now must cover
preventative care; things like immunizations, colonoscopies, mammograms, and
other things to keep you healthy. Children can now (optional, not mandatory)
stay on their parents plans until age 26.
In January more changes will go into effect. If
you have a pre-existing condition you will no longer be denied coverage or pay
more for your plan than anyone else. Asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure;
these are some pre existing conditions people used to be denied for. Not any
longer. Also beginning in January, insurers can no longer put lifetime caps on
the amount of benefits they will pay out. In January, most Americans will be
required to have health insurance and possibly (probably) pay a penalty if they
don’t.
Citizens will be able to buy insurance through
the new state run marketplaces or the federal marketplace if your state does
not have one. You can compare plans and prices. Not all insurance companies are
in all states and prices vary from state to state, even county to county.
Pricing has always been like this – it is nothing new. In America we call this
the free market. You will be able to shop for insurance online or in person at
the various walk-in centers.
In the marketplace you will be able to determine
if you will qualify for financial aid. Many individuals and families will
qualify for subsidies or tax credits, depending on their income level. Counsellors
called ‘navigators’ will guide and assist people with
the various plans, options, pricing, and signing up. Navigators are
supposed to make the process simple and be helpful and informative.
In a nut shell, the law is changing some of the
practices of insurance companies, making insurance a lot more comprehensive for
people, and requiring all Americans to have insurance but helping with the cost
if they need it. This is not European style ‘socialized medicine’, or
‘government run healthcare’; this is insurance from private corporations being
regulated by the federal government.
Some people with existing policies will see their
premiums go up and some will actually see a decrease. Each, depending on income
levels, may still qualify for tax credits or subsidies.
Yes, it will be difficult to get online when it
opens on Oct 1. This is to be expected. The enrolment period ends in March, 6
months away. Yes, as with any new program of this size, there will be software
issues and things won’t go smoothly. There will be problems starting out.
This also is to be expected. Hang in there America, stay
healthy. And above all else, don’t believe the hype. Get the facts.
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more details visit our another blog post:-
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