The Status Of The Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act was passed by congress more than a year ago and I have received many questions as to when it will be implemented and whether or not it will be struck down by the higher courts.
First of all, it looks like the act will go all the way to the Supreme Court and will most probably be heard during the 2012 election.
We will not know whether or not it will be struck down until then.
Although the Supreme Court is conservative which would cause one to assume that they would vote against it, there is a very good chance it will pass.
They have already ruled once on a State appeal in favor of Obama Care but we will have to wait and see.
Now, let's discuss the plan itself.
As a reminder, the Affordable Care Act is expected to extend health care benefits to an additional thirty million Americans which will be accomplished through a number of measures.
Private insurers are not permitted to deny medical insurance applicants due to preexisting conditions.
Most of these provisions are in effect and will be totally implemented by 2014.
Additionally, medicaid coverage is to be expanded and will also go in effect in 2014.
The provision for preexisting conditions currently covers only kids and will cover adults in 2014.
Also, a portion of the plan includes federal funds designed to assist in paying for the extra costs associated with preexisting conditions until 2014.
Also, the act covers preventative care which basically means that insurance companies have to eliminate co pays for certain preventative care procedures.
For example, yearly check-ups, blood pressure and monograms are included in this category.
This feature is partially in effect and will be completely implemented in 2014.
Another aspect of the Affordable Care Act is that medicare patients will receive a discount on prescription drugs for costs between $2, 840 and $6,448.
This gap was previously covered by the government by issuing a check to the patient but was discontinued last year.
The Affordable Care Act covers this gap and the discount is quite significant in that it covers 50% for brand name drugs and 7% for generic drugs.
As you can see, there are many changes that have already taken place and it is important to keep up with the law and the changes that affect you.
If you are aware of the provisions of the law such as free annual checkups be sure to inform your doctor and also be sure that you work within your insurance network.
First of all, it looks like the act will go all the way to the Supreme Court and will most probably be heard during the 2012 election.
We will not know whether or not it will be struck down until then.
Although the Supreme Court is conservative which would cause one to assume that they would vote against it, there is a very good chance it will pass.
They have already ruled once on a State appeal in favor of Obama Care but we will have to wait and see.
Now, let's discuss the plan itself.
As a reminder, the Affordable Care Act is expected to extend health care benefits to an additional thirty million Americans which will be accomplished through a number of measures.
Private insurers are not permitted to deny medical insurance applicants due to preexisting conditions.
Most of these provisions are in effect and will be totally implemented by 2014.
Additionally, medicaid coverage is to be expanded and will also go in effect in 2014.
The provision for preexisting conditions currently covers only kids and will cover adults in 2014.
Also, a portion of the plan includes federal funds designed to assist in paying for the extra costs associated with preexisting conditions until 2014.
Also, the act covers preventative care which basically means that insurance companies have to eliminate co pays for certain preventative care procedures.
For example, yearly check-ups, blood pressure and monograms are included in this category.
This feature is partially in effect and will be completely implemented in 2014.
Another aspect of the Affordable Care Act is that medicare patients will receive a discount on prescription drugs for costs between $2, 840 and $6,448.
This gap was previously covered by the government by issuing a check to the patient but was discontinued last year.
The Affordable Care Act covers this gap and the discount is quite significant in that it covers 50% for brand name drugs and 7% for generic drugs.
As you can see, there are many changes that have already taken place and it is important to keep up with the law and the changes that affect you.
If you are aware of the provisions of the law such as free annual checkups be sure to inform your doctor and also be sure that you work within your insurance network.
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