The Affordable Care Act: Key Provisions for People With Arthritis
Understand how the law affects your insurance coverage and costs.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in March 2010. This law opens offers certain protections to help ensure coverage and access to health insurance for people living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis. Here is an overview of some of those protections.
You can’t be denied or dropped because of arthritis: Under the ACA, you can’t be refused insurance coverage, be charged higher premiums or get dropped from coverage because of your arthritis.
You can comparison shop for insurance: If you are uninsured or under-insured, you can shop around on the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov. The plans are broken into four categories:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
Gold and platinum plans have higher monthly premiums, but you’ll pay lower out-of-pocket costs. That could save you money if you’re paying for several arthritis medicines and rheumatologist visits. You can search and compare details on monthly premiums, annual deductibles and types of services covered. Get the latest updates to key provisions of the ACA visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services website. The 2024 open enrollment period runs from November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024. More information can be found at Healthcare.gov.
You’ll have access to essential health benefits.
You can’t max out your health coverage.
You’ll pay lower out-of-pocket costs.
Your premium payments must largely go to your care.
If you’re on Medicare, your drug costs will be contained.
You’ll get access to cheaper biologic drugs.
You can appeal rejected claims.
Your child can stay on your plan until age 26.
For more on the ACA visit Healthcare.gov’s quick guide.
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