JAN. 1
marked the date when many key provisions of the
Affordable Care Act (ACA) took effect. These provisions are
intended to make it easier for you to purchase health insur-
ance. They also provide new protections if you already have
health care coverage. For instance:
Health exchanges offer affordable insurance options.
The exchanges are online marketplaces where you can shop
for health plans. All of the plans must meet certain standards
for benefits and costs. Some of the exchanges are run by the
federal government; others are run by individual states. For
more information, go to
Tax credits will help many people buy insurance.
These credits are available to people with incomes between
100 and 400 percent of the poverty guidelines who can’t
afford coverage elsewhere.
Access to Medicaid increases.
If you earn less than
133 percent of the poverty level, you’re eligible to enroll
in this government-based insurance program.
Coverage can’t be denied because of pre-existing condi-
tions.
Pre-existing health conditions can’t preclude you from
getting coverage. This protection applies if you’re seeking
new coverage or renewing an existing policy.
Annual benefit caps are banned.
This means insurance
companies can no longer put limits on the benefits you
receive in any given year.
You cannot be denied coverage if you choose to take
part in clinical trials.
This applies to all trials that involve
cancer or other life-threatening diseases.
Originally, another key aspect of the law was expected to
kick in on Jan. 1: Large employers were supposed to begin
offering their workers affordable health coverage or face
fines. That provision has now been de-
layed a year in order to help businesses
comply with the law.
Changes through health care reform
will lead to many challenges for both
participants and providers. While the
ACA can provide coverage for partici-
pants who have not had health insur-
ance in the past, it will also affect
providers. Providers will focus on co-
ordinating the continuum of care with particular attention
on preventive measures. Ultimately, a reduction in admis-
sions and an emphasis on patient wellness will likely change
the focus of health care providers.
Another noticeable change for those participating in the
exchange will be insurance premiums. If you had a previous
carrier, then your premiums will now fluctuate according
to your age. We are hearing reports within our community
that some families under the age of 40 have seen as much as
a 400 percent increase in their premiums, while individuals
over the age of 55 have seen a 50 percent decrease.
At Faith Regional, we know that the ACA will likely bring
even more challenges to our patients and their families as it
continues to be implemented. We are committed to work-
ing with you to make this transition as uncomplicated and
understandable for you as we can.
Tim Auwarter
Interim President and CEO
Impor tant changes to
your health care coverage
THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT HITS FULL STRIDE IN 2014
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