Provisions of the Affordable Care Act
As the political rhetoric over the Affordable Care Act, dies down a bit, it's a good time to take a look at the health care law and examine how it will impact all of us.
According to the Act, we will all need to have some type of health insurance in the next year and a half. Or we pay a penalty/tax. But there's a lot more to the Affordable Care Act.
Dr. Rob Danoff , from Aria Health explains the provisions. "I have see a woman of 45, who could not get mammograms, because she did not have a job and insurance. And she had breast cancer, and it could have been easily detected."
We also know under the law, insurance companies must cover people with pre-existing conditions.
"If people been without insurance for six months, and they have a pre-existing condition, they cannot be denied insurance. If you're a kid and have a pre-existing condition- like diabetes or cancer, you can get insurance...so this is very, very important," says the doctor.
Something that is already in effect... Young adults up to 26 years old can stay on their parents' insurance.
"A lot of kids graduate from college. But with the economy the way it is, they don’t get jobs or get part time jobs or jobs without health benefits So they go without insurance. But having the ability to stay on their parents' plan, gives them a great benefit. Now that is a big boon for 3.1 million adults," says Dr. Danoff
Another major part of the legislation that will change the application of medical insurance greatly... Medical providers must offer preventative screenings without a co-pay.
Dr. Danoff adds, "There are people who need a MRI or mammography, but they cannot afford it. And it's really bad for healthcare. So what do they do? Now preventative services like mammograms or colonoscopies will be covered if they have an insurance plan, and it wont devastate them financially."
Another traditional bain on health coverage is prescription drug costs. Under the Affordable Care Act, they will be lowered for senior citizens-a group that faces many challenges, in the health care system.
"Many people now retire between 55 and 65, but they don’t have insurance, and are not eligible unless they buy it privately. Now they are going to have an option through the health exchange with the state. That's going to keep our aging population healthier," states Dr Danoff
Many of the changes are positive, but Dr Danoff has this reminder for everyone...
"Having insurance doesn't mean a healthier population. But having insurance helps gives people the ability to take care of themselves, and that way they can lead a healthier life."
For now, young adults, senior citizens and those with a pre-exisiting condition can rest easy- their interests are being covered by Obamacare.
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