Much of this is thanks to the organization called Autism Speaks, as they have been a strong force in pushing legislators to bring the law to fruition. While many families were faced with paying for medical care and much needed therapies out of their own pockets, this bill will help them get the care they need. Visit Autism Speaks to learn more, and urge Governor Brown to sign this bill as quickly as possible.
Posts Tagged ‘pre-existing’
The Autism Insurance Reform Bill
Thursday, November 24th, 2011Obesity Rates Increasing in the U.S.
Thursday, November 17th, 2011- Obesity rates were higher among people ages 50 and older (most likely due to an aging population)
When is Angioplasty Unnecessary?
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011Shocking reports show that over one tenth of elective angioplasty procedures are not necessary, causing undue danger to the patient and extensive damage to their wallets. While a much needed help to those with urgent medical needs, for those with less severe conditions (many with mild or no symptoms at all) over 12% were found to be “inappropriate” as a means of treatment. Instead, treatment with medication may have been a better route to go.
California State Programs Face Massive Cuts
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011In Governor Jerry Brown’s (D) revision to the budget plan, he addresses earlier cuts made to health and social service programs. Though these cuts were intended to shrink California’s deficit, many children, low income, or elderly residents face losing assistance. As lawmakers managed to move $2 billion dollars from mental health services and childhood health programs, Brown’s budget plan revisions reflect the lack of funding due to such lawsuits. Some examples are as follows:
• A merging of Healthy Families — California’s Children’s Health Insurance Program – with Medi-Cal
• A 10% reduction in Medi-Cal provider reimbursement rates.
Many Children Going Without Mental Health Services
Thursday, January 27th, 2011As the number of uninsured children increases, a new study shows that many of these children have the added stress of an emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorder which is going untreated due to lack of access to medical care. Low income families tend to have children with higher rates of these conditions, such as ADD, autism, or depression, but do not have health coverage to assist with the mental health services they need – including counseling and medication. According to such reports as the one done by the Health Resources and Services Administration:
Expired COBRA Subsidy Leads to Coverage Lapses
Tuesday, September 14th, 2010The COBRA subsidy program remains in limbo, and as a result many enrollees are choosing to discontinue coverage altogether. This program, which was intended for anyone terminated from September 1, 2008 to May 31, 2010, offered a 65% subsidy for up to 15 months. The subsidy, however, would be less for anyone whose modified gross income exceeds $125,000. While this is of great assistance to COBRA enrollees, anyone who has exhausted their 15 months or is newly unemployed, relief seem to be nowhere on the horizon.
Pre-existing Conditions and California Residents
Thursday, July 8th, 2010Startling news shows that one in five California residents (under the age of 65) have a “pre-existing” condition, which could render them ineligible for coverage, or offered premiums at inflated rates. Though health care reform promises all Americans coverage by 2014, this still leaves many without the coverage they need for years. What is considered a pre-existing condition? Pretty much anything you have been treated for, or are currently under treatment for prior to applying for coverage. While not all conditions will result in your denial for coverage, it can result in an increase in the monthly premiums from 20% – 100% higher. If you had a lapse in coverage, but are approved for coverage on a new plan, there may be a waiting period of 6 months before anything relating to your pre-existing condition will be covered by your insurance plan. The good news is as of September of this year, children under the age of 19 cannot be denied coverage due to their pre-existing conditions.
Lack of Pediatric Specialists a Growing Concern
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010Health Care Reform promises to ensure that all Americans have access to medical coverage. The most pressing concern is the fact that many children are without coverage and the care they need now, so the bill states that by September 23rd, 2010, no child can be denied coverage due to pre-existing conditions. While this is well needed, it does bring to light the fact that there is an increasing shortage of Pediatric Specialists. With an influx of new patients entering the system, and the demand for both medically necessary and non-medically necessary treatments rising, will there be enough physicians to handle the load?
The First Year for Health Care Reform – Step One
Thursday, March 25th, 2010Though some fine tuning will be taking place, the plan for implementing the Health Care Reform Bill during the first year will (most likely) look something like this:
- Dependent children will be eligible to stay covered under their parent’s plan until their 26th birthday. The House is still pushing to make this coverage last through their 26th birthday.
- Insurers can no longer impose exclusions on pre-existing conditions in children. Children are considered exempt from this until their 19th birthday
- Lifetime maximums on benefits and annual limits on coverage will be discontinued
Health Care Reform is here! What does this mean for you?
Monday, March 22nd, 2010No 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:



