Many of you know that I’ve been sick for over a year and recently diagnosed with Hodgkin's’ Lymphoma. Sure, I have Medicare as well as a secondary insurance plan to form Medicare Advantage, but even I didn’t realize how important the Affordable Care Act is in my situation.
The free (no co-pay or deductible) physical exam (primary doctor and GYN), routine testing, and preventative health care which helps all of us is fabulous, but only works for those with insurance coverage/Medicare. Intended to promote annual doctor visits and early diagnosis when disease is most effectively treated with lower costs, it will eventually lead to a decrease in health care spending overall.
Most people also know that people with pre-existing conditions can’t be denied coverage, that children up to the age of 26 can continue on their parents’ insurance, that women can’t be charged higher rates than men, and I’m sure I’ve forgotten something else. All great stuff that moves us in a positive direction (yes, we have miles and miles to go until no one goes without health care).