I am an ordinary American Citizen and just like my neighbors I am interested in this country running at its best. I feel it is every citizen’s job to keep up with what the government is doing “on our behalf” so I read a lot.
When a receptionist at the doctor’s office mentioned that she was instructed not to accept any new patients that come in with Obamacare, I was stunned that she and the doctor were not aware that there is no insurance by that name.
There is a misconception in our nation that the insurance industry will no longer sell health insurance coverage. I explained to the receptionist that every patient who walks into that office will present an ID card from Medicare or one of the many private insurers just as they always have, such as Cigna, Aetna, BCBS, Humana, United, Medicare Advantage, etc.
The only difference is that these insurance companies will no longer be allowed to impose unfair obstacles on people, and that a greater number of Americans will be able to afford to buy healthcare insurance. The new rules include coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, an end to discrimination based on gender, no lifetime caps or annual limits on medical expenses, coverage for essential health benefits (including mental health), free preventive care, and extending coverage to young adults. The new Healthcare Insurance Exchanges make sure consumers can compare the plans and prices offered by the different insurers. Plans have to be written in easy to understand language with no “fine print” or hidden costs. There will be free live assistance to help people navigate their way through this unfamiliar territory.
These changes are designed to help Americans avoid devastating expenses due to untreated illnesses that only get worse without treatment. No one will have to be “one illness away from bankruptcy.” The funding to cover all this is spread out among many new sources including the individual mandate which means everyone has to pitch in according to their ability. Just think of the huge savings to tax payers when high-cost use of Emergency Rooms drops. This saving will help pay for our coverage.
This is what all the excitement is about regarding the Affordable Care Act. Not a bad thing.
P.S. When asked, people on the street liked all of the provisions in the law; what they didn’t like was its nickname. Obamacare is the nickname for the Affordable Care Act.
Heather Rabinowitz is a resident of The Villages.
