Affordable Health Care Act

The Affordable Health Care Act was passed by Congress in March 2010. It holds health insurance companies more accountable for how much they cover patients. While lower costs are anticipated, some do not feel that this health care reform will go through as planned. The first major reform plan is to change the way some health insurers have a blanket ban on pre-existing conditions. Health care reform legislation has been implemented to ensure that no more patients are rejected for this reason. A health insurance company must now continue policies even when a person becomes ill. New health care plans must provide services eliminating the need for co-pays including preventative services such as regular screenings, immunizations, and baby care. After September 23, 2010 insurance companies must no longer charge the deductible or what is not covered by the insurance provider. A portion of prescriptions for example might be covered but one particular item may not be covered which incurs an out of pocket payment for the consumer.

Insurance companies also have to allow people to make appeals on coverage decisions. You are also allowed to choose your own providers within the plan’s network of doctors including OB-GYNs and pediatricians without a referral. Before health care reform, a consumer needed a referral to get to any sort of doctor other than your internist. State health care plans will become more affordable which will help some Americans enroll in health insurance they previously could not afford. Adults who do not have health insurance by 2014 will be expected to pay out of pocket $95 or 1% of their income. By 2016 the penalty rises to $695 for every uninsured adult and 2.5% or $2,085 per household, whichever is the greater part of income. Health care reform bills also leave a rule that if a person is uninsured for three months, they will also be penalized.

Health insurance rules vary by state. But http://www.yourhealthinsuranceguide.com/ has guidelines available to look over. Health care reform is a slow process but its happening. Under the current rules, everybody who needs health insurance can get a plan that’s affordable. More reform is possible as new rules are implemented.