As many of you know, being Mayor of Arlington isn't the only hat I wear. I am also a doctor, having worked at Arlington Memorial Hospital for four decades. So, you can imagine that I have a great interest in medical issues and how those concerns intersect with government.
One of those is the Affordable Care Act, known as ACA. It was signed into law in 2010 by President Barack Obama and gradually different provisions of the law are being enacted. As with all change, the law has raised a lot of questions about coverage, cost and medical services.
To help you better understand the law, the choices you have, and ultimately how it can impact you or a loved one, I have compiled a few resources to answer many frequently asked questions. I am not an advocate for or against the law. My goal here is to simply provide you with as much information as possible so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.
First, let me provide you with a little background on the impact the law could have on Texas.
- According to U.S. Census Bureau, 25% of people living in Texas are uninsured-the highest rate in the nation.Click here to learn how ACA could impact Texans.
- This law aims to make preventive care more accessible for many Americans. For more information about ACA's implementation, click here.
- Beginning January 1, 2014, all employers will be required to offer comprehensive, affordable healthcare coverage to all full-time employees-individuals working 30 hours or more per week. Employees would be eligible for coverage after 90 days of employment.
- Should an eligible employer not offer coverage, a penalty per employee would be assessed. While the employer must offer coverage, an employee is not obligated to accept it from the employer.
- This law is expected to impact millions of Americans. To learn how the ACA helps people like you, click here.
As I mentioned, the Affordable Care Act is complicated and it raises a lot of questions. Here are some frequently asked questions, answers and some resources.
Q. My employer doesn't offer insurance and I can't afford to buy it on my own. What are my options?
A. Beginning October 1, Arlington residents will be able to buy private plans though the federal Health Insurance Marketplace coming to Texas under the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment will be open until March 31. Texas opted out of running a health insurance marketplace under the ACA, leaving the federal government to run one for state residents.
Click here to view the four categories of plans offered by the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.
Q. I already have health insurance. Will my rate go up?
A. For more information, click here.
Q. I have been refused insurance because I have pre-existing medical condition. How can I obtain coverage?
A. For more information, click here.
Q. Can young adults remain on their parent's health insurance plans?
A. Yes, until they are 26. The one exception is if your son or daughter already has insurance through an employer, and your plan predates Sept. 23, 2010.
Q. Will my Medicaid benefits change?
A. If you receive Medicaid, your coverage will remain the same, for now. For those living in states offering Medicaid to a larger pool of the poor than required by federal standards, the law has required your state to lock in those more generous eligibility rules through 2014. Texas is not one of the states participating in Medicaid expansion.
Q. How does this law impact my Medicare benefits?
A. New Medicare benefits under the law will remain in effect, including coverage of preventive care without co-pays or other out-of-pocket charges. Click here for details. to learn more about how it impacts the Medicare prescription-drug coverage gap, or "doughnut hole."
Q. How does the Affordable Care Act impact employers?
A. For information on what the ACA means for small business owners, click here.
If your business has more than 50 employees, click here for details.
To learn how to choose the coverage that's right for your business, click here.
Q. How does the Affordable Care Act impact Health Care Providers?
A. The new healthcare law enacts comprehensive reforms that will hold health insurance companies accountable, protect you and your patients, and guarantee choice and control. It also reduces the burden of uncompensated care on physicians and hospitals by making access to care easier and more affordable than ever.
Q. How does the Affordable Care Act impact People with Disabilities?
A. If you're living with a disability, private health insurance may be hard to come by. Even if you can afford to buy it, it probably doesn't cover all of your needs. Worrying about where to get coverage and the cost of your care is the last thing you want to do. The Affordable Care Act is expanding your options for health insurance and making them more affordable.
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