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The top U.S. Health Official, Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department, visited Missouri recently to discuss the implementation of President Obama’s new healthcare plan, poised to take effect in a little under two weeks. Many are calling this the most complex national legislation in decades.
October 1 of this year marks the first day for exchanges- these exchanges allow people to compare and choose private health insurance policies. What’s arguably the most important factor about these exchanges is that those who do not select a health insurance policy will face a penalty.
What exactly do these minimum private health insurance benefits include? According to Secretary Sebelius, essential benefits include things like:
Now, what exactly does this mean for health insurance providers? It means that they do not have the right to deny coverage to people with preexisting conditions- a right they possessed previously. Insurance companies will now also be barred from requiring lifetime dollar limits, a rule that was effective September 23, 2010. Statistically, there are 2.6 million non-elderly individuals residing in the state of Missouri with preexisting medical conditions.
In response to her visit, Missouri Republican Party Chairman Ed Martin said,
Much like this administration’s strategy on spinning the truth and overlooking the true shortcomings of Obama care, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius is meeting in private with officials in St. Louis today. As it turns out this is just an added burden to taxpayers that is forecast to outpace domestic growth by two percent.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the 16 percent of Missouri residents who previously did not possess health insurance will now have access to coverage. 73 percent of those uninsured individuals have at least one full-time worker in the family. Those who participate in open enrollment for health benefits (available October 1) can start getting coverage as soon as the first of next year.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident that required medical treatment, learn from a St. Louis personal injury attorney at our law firm how the new healthcare plan could affect you. Fox Goldblatt & Singer PC is passionate about providing its clients with the most up-to-date information on civil codes, procedure,s and health benefits. Call today for a free evaluation of your case.
Below are some resources that explain more about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: