OT: Question Re: Obamacare

[Dr. Smith]

Not sure where to post a question like this, so if this isn't it, please (moderators) feel free to move it. It's a question/subject that may (unfortunately) effect many folks here at some point....

Does anyone know how, or if, the newly upheld healthcare legislation (particularly the part that prohibits denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions) may/will effect Longterm Care coverage? It may currently be a loophole(?) -- I don't know -- but I'm sure I'm not the only person here to have been denied, or told to not even bother applying, due to current conditions/factors.

Thanks,

Doc

[ginnie]

I don't think insurance companies will be able to turn you down now. However I am not sure how the pricing will go. I had no health insurance because of pre-existing conditions, that is what set me up to fail financially. My house mate has pre-exisitng conditions, and she is looking into the same thing. I plan to call my state rep. to get some clearification on this new bill. What I think is scarry, is that folks now "have" to purchase it. What if you just can't afford it at all? I have to look into that part too. I also have no idea how it will effect medicaid. It is too complicated for the average joe to figure out. I am looking on line now to find a copy of the bill. Maybe there is a question site on the internet now to answer some of our questions. Take care doc. ginnie

[Dr. Smith]

I'm sorry to be pedantic (again ) but as a short refresher in Civics 101: (Paraphrased: )

A bill is a proposed law under consideration by [Congress]. A bill does not become law until it is passed by [Congress] and, in most cases, approved (signed) by the [President]. Once a bill has been enacted into law, it is called an act or a statute.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_(proposed_law)

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare) was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, so it is now an act.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obamacare

The law was challenged, and The Supreme Court upheld the bulk of it as Constitutional by a 5-4 vote.

I do not know all the details, but while people cannot be turned down for Health insurance. I just do not know if that includes Long Term Care insurance, or if that is in some way loopholed (they are often/usually separate policies), and that is the crux of my question.

Ginnie & Kitt -- I believe all of your questions are addressed in the Wiki article. Specifically about pricing:

Guaranteed issue and partial community rating will require insurers to offer the same premium to all applicants of the same age and geographical location without regard to most pre-existing conditions (excluding tobacco use).

Originally Posted by Kitt

And a person apparently has to buy insurance and if you can't afford it I have heard that you are fined.

This is not correct. No one will be fined or penalized for not being able to afford insurance. People will be penalized (probably via income tax) for not having insurance. Since having coverage is mandated, this is analogous to being fined for driving without auto insurance. Many people will still be insured by government programs, or assisted by subsidies, etc. Please consult factual non-political articles/sources.

It is complicated to be sure. So is my health.
Is it perfect? What is?

Doc

[Chemar]

As healthcare is very relevant to this community, we do not mind discussion on the subject. However, just a proactive reminder that if the discussion turns into partisan politics, it will be locked or removed. But as long as it remains a respectful discussion on actual healthcare, not politics, all is ok.

thanks

[painman2009]

Originally Posted by Dr. Smith

Not sure where to post a question like this, so if this isn't it, please (moderators) feel free to move it. It's a question/subject that may (unfortunately) effect many folks here at some point....

Does anyone know how, or if, the newly upheld healthcare legislation (particularly the part that prohibits denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions) may/will effect Longterm Care coverage? It may currently be a loophole(?) -- I don't know -- but I'm sure I'm not the only person here to have been denied, or told to not even bother applying, due to current conditions/factors.

Thanks,

Doc

as I understand the writ part ..is denial for pre-existing conditions, terminated coverage for long term care , and being denied for coverage for long term care. also the ceiling has been lifted meaning if you presently have insurance with a term of say 1 million dllrs limit for term of coverage.. this is no longer allowed . and they have until 2014 to make sure all these changes were made . also they are supposed to make insurance more affordable. question is .. affordable to whose pocket????

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by painman2009

as I understand the writ part ..is denial for pre-existing conditions, terminated coverage for long term care , and being denied for coverage for long term care.

I'm sorry, I'm not getting this part. Would you mind restating it? My question is, can long term care coverage (specifically) be denied any longer for pre-existing conditions?

I'm not finding anything definite/specific in what I'm reading.

Thanks,

Doc

[happyisme09]

What has me wondering is, will there be MANDATED vaccines to continue this "coverage?" You know the ones that EVERYONE MUST GET? Perhaps the questionable Gardasil for young boys and girls. HEPATITIS vaccines. FLU vaccines for the ENTIRE POPULATION?

Will there be specific guidelines handed down on HOW TO TREAT no matter what? If the powers that be say I am to be treated with five days of medicine X that is all there is.

I fear it is going to tie the doctors hands up tightly and force us all to take whatever they give ... AND LIKE IT. Anyone else fearing the WORST? Or is this the effect of dairy in my coffee talking?

Please, assuage my fears. Please. pretty please.

[clouds z]

http://gdsajj.wordpress.com/2010/03/...o-health-care/

if true thats scary

EU doent even do that do they?

[Jo*mar]

I wonder if you can email or call some of the members that were on the team senators/representatives that worked on this and ask them specific questions, since hopefully they would have a better understanding of it?

Or contact your own senators/representatives and ask them, hopefully they have studied & read most of it too.
I think if you have specific questions they should be able to get you answers or know who can answer your questions.

[mrsD]

I don't think anyone can be forced to accept a treatment.
I should think vaccines would be included.

That is a frightening prospect.