No one really knows! It seems that revisions are made by the hour, and nothing is quite set in stone as of yet. Also (as of this hour) 11 states have filed lawsuits stating that the bill is unconstitutional, in that it forces people to pay for coverage or face financial penalties. Does it promise to cover all Americans? Supposedly, by 2014, after spending the next few years inching towards this goal by means of guaranteed issue policies, no lifetime maximum amounts, the cessation of policy rescission’s, etc. Once this is in place, individual policies would be purchased via an exchange:
Health Benefit Exchanges. Effective in 2014, state-based American Health Benefit Exchanges and Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Exchanges are established, administered by a governmental agency or non-profit organization, through which individuals and small businesses with up to 100 employees can purchase qualified coverage. States are permitted to allow businesses with more than 100 employees to purchase coverage in the SHOP Exchange beginning in 2017. States may form regional Exchanges or allow more than one Exchange to operate in a state as long as each Exchange serves a distinct geographic area. (Funding available to states to establish Exchanges within one year of enactment and until January 1, 2015)
We will see some changes right away, such as offering coverage to all children regardless of pre-existing conditions, and the creation of high risk health pools. Others will take more time, such as the adult pre-existing conditions being a non-issue when it comes to obtaining medical coverage.
Proponents of the bill claim this will save us trillions over the years, while opponents can’t see how that is possible. Guaranteeing and requiring that all obtain health insurance coverage cannot be without a hefty price tag, can it?
Stay tuned………
Tags: health insurance, individual health, pre-existing, underwriting, Universal Health Care
