Are you keeping yourself up to date on OBAMACARE?

Do you have a child under 19 years old? He or she can’t be denied health care coverage because of a “pre-existing condition”. A pre-existing condition is a health problem that was discovered or treated before applying for the coverage. This applies whether your child was covered under a different plan or had no coverage at all.

Right now, health insurers can charge more based on your gender when you sign up for an individual or small group employee plan. For example, some health insurers may charge women more than men for coverage to cover costs related to women’s health, such as pregnancy and child birth. This is known as “gender rating”.

But beginning in 2014 that will change. Health insurers will not be able to charge you more based on your gender.

To help make health care easier to get, the new laws focus on:

Preventive care. It’s always best to prevent a health issue before it happens. That’s why checkups, many generic drugs, tests and screenings are now covered at 100%.

Diversity and cultural knowledge. It’s critical for doctors to understand the patients they treat. Health care reform puts a greater emphasis on cultural and language competency.

Doctors in low-income communities. Health care reform adds funding for doctors in underserved communities. The new funding will support 16,000 new doctors, which means patients don’t have to wait as long to get an appointment.

Low cost health plans. 2014 brings a new era in health care, complete with a new market too. Tax credits and subsidies will be available to qualifying individuals through exchanges. This new marketplace makes sure everyone has the same access to health care, even if you are lower-income, between jobs or sick.

Keep an eye out for our newsletter and keep informed regarding the Patient Protection Act.

If you or your employer would like to receive a handy timeline to guide them through the federal and state health insurance requirements for individual and small businesses, keeping them or yourselves informed, just call us @ 708-957-2900 or just shoot us an email jim@brokersconsultantsinc.com  

Thanks!! James Tiernan, The 24/7 Insurance Guy