Expert on Affordable Care Act to Speak at Livingston Dems’ Meeting

An expert on America’s new health care law that takes effect Jan. 1 will discuss the law and what it will mean for consumers at a meeting of the Livingston County Democrats later this month.

Marjorie Mitchell, executive director of MICHUHCAN, will speak at the party’s regular business meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m.

Mitchell’s visit comes as the health care exchanges being set up under the Affordable Care Act prepare to open. The exchanges are an on-line market-place that allows consumers to compare policies from different private insurance companies and pick the one that is right for them.

"Many pieces of the Affordable Care Act already are in effect," said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party. "For example, so far, families have received $1.1 billion in rebates from insurance companies that spent too much of their premiums on overhead and profits. Children with pre-existing conditions are covered by insurance companies, 3.1 million young adults have been able to stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26, preventive care such as mammograms and colonoscopies are now covered with no co-pays or deductibles, senior citizens on Medicare are receiving free wellness visits, seniors on the Medicare prescription drug program have saved $6.1 billion in drug costs, and life-time caps on coverage have been eliminated.

"Yet opponents of the law are continuing to distort its impacts and circulate scare stories about its effects. Marjorie will help cut through the clutter of lies about the law."

Mitchell has been executive director of MICHUHCAN since 1992. MICHUHCAN, or the Michigan Universal Health Care Access Network, is a statewide network that promotes comprehensive health care for all. It advocates for the rights of patients and health care consumers on policy boards around the state. MICHUHCAN also educates the public about how health care policy affects them and encourages them to get involved in health care issues. It also keeps network members informed about changes in health care policy and mobilizes them to take action on key issues.

The meeting is open to all Democrats in the county. There is no charge. Light refreshments will be served.

(Paid for by Livingston County Democratic Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Labor donated.)