To celebrate the six-month anniversary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signing, President Barack Obama met with state health commissioners in the White House complex and traveled to Falls Church, Va., to discuss the Patient’s Bill of Rights with citizens gathered in a backyard Wednesday.
Taking effect today, several changes to health insurance coverage include an extension of coverage for young adults to remain on their parents’ insurance until age 26, free pregnancy care and free preventitive care.
These changes are the first to come into effect from the health care legislation but many are voicing opposition to the enacting of the other parts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
During this election year, House Republicans propose a plan which calls for the repeal of a new provision enacted to help pay for the health care law that requires nearly 40 million businesses to file tax forms for every vendor that sells them more than $600 in goods. —AP/Daily Staff Reports
Changes to all plans, individual and employer-sponsored, purchased or renewed after Thursday:
Extension of coverage — Young adults can stay on their parents’ insurance coverage until they are 26, if the adult children do not receive insurance through their employer.
No denials for children — Insurance companies cannot deny coverage to children with health conditions.
No lifetime limits — Insurance plans cannot impose lifetime dollar restrictions on essential benefits such as hospitalizations and emergency care.
No dropping coverage — It is now illegal for insurance companies to drop someone’s coverage except in cases of fraud.
Appeals — Insurance companies must make it easier for consumers to appeal the denial of coverage or specific benefits.
Changes to individual plans purchased after today:
Free preventive care — Preventive services such as flu shots and mammograms must be provided without a co-pay or deductible.
Free care for children — No co-pays for regular well-baby visits and annual examinations until age 21.
Free pregnancy care — Certain pregnancy services will not require a co-pay, including screenings for iron deficiency, hepatitis B and some pregnancy-related conditions.
Rate increases — Any increase in monthly premiums must be publicized and justified by insurance companies.
Source: www.healthcare.gov
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