Sunday, September 26, 2010

September 23 can be the beginning of key provisions in health care regulation

Everybody knew about the healthcare law that passed in the last year. September 23 is when many people can start to take advantage of the new U.S. health care system. Things that are nevertheless being debated in the health care reform won’t be starting for a few years nevertheless. Thursday will be when coverage will start for even individuals with pre-existing conditions. The anti-health care ideas the Republicans have spread are becoming more common. President Obama has responded with his own vigorous defense of the new health care law. Though a majority of Americans were in favor of the law upon its passage, a majority now disapprove as it kicks in.

Healthcare not benefitting most until 2011

Health care reform actually won’t enter into effect for most Americans until next year. After September 23, changes will happen automatically for new healthcare plans, claims the Wall Street Journal. Until plans renew for employees with work health insurance right now as a job benefit, around January 1, changes won’t be seen. Everyone who can’t afford health insurance will benefit as changes on September 23 bridge the United States of America until every little thing changes in 2014. Once we get to that point, it could be required for Americans to have health insurance. Without it, an American can get a fine.

Health insurance changes starting to happen

Key changes that enter into the works for new health plans started after Sept. 23 incorporated the following, courtesy of CNN:

Kids under age 19 can no longer be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions. The very same goes for adults in 2014.

Insurance companies can no longer drop a customer when they get sick or watch for mistakes on their application for the purpose to deny payment when they get sick.

Preventive care for instance physicals, mammograms and colonoscopies no longer require a co-payment or deductible.

Insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits, for instance lifesaving treatments.

Patients no longer need to get prior authorization from their insurance company or a doctor’s referral to see a pediatrician or OB/GYN.

Insurance companies must discontinue prior authorization for ER services. Plus, they can’t charge higher co-payments for out-of-network ER providers.

Insurance corporations cannot refuse a claim in appeal, and have to continue paying for treatment until the appeal is resolved.

Public opinion fought by White House

Health care reform has been a huge topic of controversy thinking about all the misinformation being spread by Republican campaigns. A recent Rasmussen poll counted 61 percent in favor of repealing the health care law. According to the Los Angeles Times, a new website has been created by the white house called whitehouse.gov/healthreform. The website is meant to fend of attacks coming from Republicans. On the site, stories of ordinary Americans are shown to show how the law really is helping individuals. Obama was in a meeting Wednesday with state insurance commissioners where he spoke on September 23 and what provisions will be made by saying:

“These things are intended not to have government more involved in health care. They’re intended for making sure that you’ve basic protections inside your interactions with your insurance business, that you’re getting what you paid for, that you’ve some basic measures of protection.”

Discover more details on this subject

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100922-706473.html

CNN

money.cnn.com/2010/09/22/news/economy/health_reform_six_month_anniversary_package/index.htm

Los Angeles times

latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-new-health-benefits-20100923,,6153569.story



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