Most people with a disability need ongoing access to affordable healthcare insurance. Unfortunately, many Americans who have a disability cannot get health insurance because of their pre-existing condition and may have to wait years to get health coverage under Social Security Disability Insurance.
Several provisions in the new health reform legislation signed into law in March will provide some relief:
Eliminating Pre-Existing Condition Denials
Starting in September, children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied access to your health plan and your health insurer will not be allowed to insure your child, but exclude treatments for your child's pre-existing condition. In 2014 this will also include adults.
In the interim, the legislation creates a state-based, high-risk pool program to offer health insurance to people with pre-existing medical conditions who have been denied coverage. This temporary program will be funded from July 1, 2010 through January 1, 2014 when state-based and regional health insurance exchanges will be available.
Expanding Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid eligibility will expand to include all Americans under age 65 with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level. This would include children, pregnant women, parents, and adults without dependent children. To pay for this expansion, the federal government will provide your state with additional Medicaid funds starting in 2014.
Expanding Long-Term Care Options
In 2011, the federal government will start to roll out the CLASS Program (Community Living Assistance Services and Supports), a national, voluntary insurance program to provide individuals with a cash benefit if they have a functional limitation, or disability.
Removing Limits on Insurance Coverage
Starting in October, this provision forbids your health insurer from imposing any lifetime limits on your benefits.
Reducing Prescription Drug Costs
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Part D prescription plan, the health reform law will reduce the amount that you must pay for your prescription drugs when you reach the donut hole, or coverage gap.
All of these provisions should help people with disabilities improve their insurance coverage and access to affordable healthcare.
What do you think? Please leave a comment below or in the Health Insurance Forum.
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well done America for finally making a start on health insurance reform
good luck