HEALTH CARE - UNDER DEMOCRATS

Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act

President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 into law on March 23, 2010.

Wondering how that affects you?

IF YOU ARE INSURED THROUGH YOUR WORK:
  • September, 2010: your children are no longer denied coverage for preexisting conditions; your insurance is regulated – which gives insurance companies less power to make unsatisfactory changes to your plan; and if you work for a small business, your insurance is more secure.
  • January 2011: Insurance companies are legally obligated to send you rebates if they spent too much on profits. 
  • In 2014: more regulations will be placed on insurance companies, which will improve the quality of your plan if you choose to remain with the same provider; if you work for a small business, you may be able to get new insurance through your state’s exchange; your insurance plan will come standard with a basic needs package to ensure your safety; you can get tax credits to help pay for insurance; and your insurance will be more secure.

IF YOU ARE INSURED IN THE INDIVIDUAL MARKET:
  • September 2010: your insurance provider is regulated to improve its quality; your children won’t be denied coverage on the basis of preexisting conditions; and you will receive free preventative care.
  • January 2011: insurance transparency will make your insurance policy better.
  • In 2014: you will be required to carry affordable insurance – if your plan is too much, you may shop for a new one in your state’s exchange; further regulations will work for your benefit and to increase the quality of your policy; and you may be eligible to receive a tax credit to help pay for health insurance.

IF YOU ARE A SENIOR ON MEDICARE:
  • September 2010: you get $250 if your drug expenses reach the “doughnut hole” to fill your coverage gap.
  • January 2011: You receive a 50% discount on all brand name and biologic prescription drugs in the “doughnut hole;” you have free preventative care; and your payments  go further towards your care, instead of into the pockets of insurance companies.
  • In 2013: your doctors will be encouraged to work together to provide better care, instead of subjecting you to unnecessary services to increase their fees.

IF YOU RUN A SMALL BUSINESS:
  • September 2010: Your insurance got cheaper; and your insurance provider is subject to regulation, in order to improve your policy and the policies of your employees.
  • In January 2014:The cost of your insurance will be further on the decline; if you choose to stay with your current plan, it will improve; if you decide to change plans, you will have a wider market of available, affordable options; your insurance will cover employee needs; and employees will be eligible to receive tax credits to help pay for your insurance plan.

IF YOU ARE UNDER 26 YEARS OLD:
  • September 2010: You are able to remain on your parents’ plan (until you’re 26); and companies will not be able to deny you coverage due to preexisting conditions.

IF YOU ARE UNINSURED AND MAKE LESS THAN $29 000 ANNUALLY:
  • June 2010 You can get insurance previously denied due to preexisting conditions and you may still get Medicaid or CHIP if you still qualify.
  • 2011: you have more access to affordable care through community health centers.
  • In 2014: you will be eligible for affordable health care through Medicaid.


IF YOU ARE UNINSURED AND MAKE MORE THAN $29 000 ANNUALLY:
  • June 2010: You  can get coverage previously denied on the basis of a preexisting condition.
  • 2011: You have more access to affordable care through community health centers.
  • In 2014: you will be required to be covered by an affordable insurance plan; your insurance will be regulated to improve the quality of your plan; and you will be able to use tax credits to help pay for insurance.

Looking for more information? Check out HCAN’s website.

TAKE ACTION:

Michigan Citizen Action is proud to be a state partner with Health Care for America Now (HCAN)

HCAN is a national coalition of more than 1,000 groups in 50 states representing 30 million people. HCAN works to promote, defend, implement and improve the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the state and federal levels, protect Medicare and Medicaid, increase corporate accountability and confront forces that seek to take away critical services.

The coalition’s state partners were integral to the success in passing the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and continue to be essential in defending, promoting and implementing the law.