Health Care in the News: A Roundup of Coverage
September 23 2010
All over the country today, Americans are talking about health care. The new provisions that were implemented today will make real changes in the lives of countless people, and as you would expect -- it’s a hot topic in the news.
Below is a quick roundup of coverage that we’ve seen from the country’s major newspapers:
The New York Times highlighted some of new protections that take effect today, including the rule that no children will be dropped from their coverage for a pre-existing condition:
Starting now, insurance companies will no longer be permitted to exclude children because of pre-existing health conditions, which the White House said could enable 72,000 uninsured to gain coverage. Insurers also will be prohibited from imposing lifetime limits on benefits.
The Los Angeles Times wrote about the impact of the new law, and quoted the CEO of the nonprofit Consumers Union:
"There are many meaningful reforms here that, while not perfect, will help millions of consumers get a fairer shake when they buy and use health insurance," said Jim Guest, president and chief executive of Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports.
The Washington Post told the stories of several Americans who were relieved to gain better access to health care today, including a New England woman dealing with lymphoma:
Gail O'Brien, a teacher at a Montessori school from Keene, N.H., whose employer does not offer insurance, spoke of her anguish on receiving a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma this year - followed by her emotion on learning that she could apply to one of the new state-based "high-risk" pools the law established for people with preexisting conditions.
"You don't know how this has changed my life," said O'Brien, who wore a blue scarf to cover the hair she has lost through cancer treatments.
If the Affordable Care Act has changed your life, share your story with us now. For our overview of the new provisions that went into effect today, click here.
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"Under new plans, no child under age 19 will be denied coverage for a pre-existing conditions, period. Adults who have been without insurance for six months and who have been unable to obtain insurance because of a pre-existing condition, can apply for coverage under the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)."
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Insurers can no longer cut someone after the fact.
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New screening procedures are now in place for health care providers to eliminate fraud and waste in the health care system.
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Medicare Part D enrollees who hit the Medicare prescription drug benefit gap in 2010 will automatically receive a $250 rebate check.
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Effective immediately, qualified small employers get tax credits of up to 35% of premiums for offering coverage.
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America's new health care law makes it easier for you to find the quality, affordable health care that you and your family need.
