The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) passed the Senate on December 24, 2009, by a vote of 60-39 with all Democrats and Independents voting for, and all Republicans voting against. The PPACA is a federal statute that was signed into law in the United States by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.
Today,
Obama is celebrating the six month anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.
The Patient’s Bill of Rights will take effect, putting an end to some of the worst insurance industry abuses.
On Monday, Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina announced that, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, 215,000 customers will receive refunds totaling $155.8 million.
The Department of Health and Human Services announced that, on average, premiums for seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage would go down, while enrollment in the program is expected to increase.
The Patient’s Bill of Rights:
• Bans discrimination against kids with pre-existing conditions.
• Allows young adults to remain on their parents’ plan until their 26th birthday.
• Prohibits insurance companies from cutting off your coverage when you’re sick if you made a mistake on your application.
• Prohibits insurance companies from putting a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage you may receive, and restricts the use of annual limits until they are banned completely in 2014.
• And if you join a new plan:
o You have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network.
o Your insurer is banned from charging more for emergency services obtained outside of their network.
o You will be guaranteed the right to appeal insurance company decisions to an independent third party.
o You will receive recommended preventive care with no out-of-pocket cost. Services like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and new baby care will be covered, and insurance companies will be prohibited from charging deductibles, co-payments or co-insurance.
Rachel MaDDOW
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