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Affordable Care Act Moves Forward
Washington,
Jul 9 -
The Affordable Care Act was signed into law two years ago and recently upheld by the Supreme Court. Republicans in Congress will soon call for votes on repealing the Affordable Care Act, but have not offered a replacement law to improve health care in America. Republicans choose more confrontation over healthcare rather than focusing on job creation or rebuilding the economy. Congressman Scott would welcome bi-partisan ways to improve the new law instead of re-fighting old debates.
The Affordable Care Act has many benefits, which could be repealed, including:
Providing Relief to Millions of Americans:
o 17 million children with pre-existing conditions now have health insurance;
o 54 million Americans are now receiving free preventative care services;
o 360,000 small businesses are now taking advantage of the healthcare tax credit to provide insurance to 2 million workers;
o 105 million Americans no longer have to deal with lifetime insurance caps;
o Allows 2,800 employers to take advantage of the retiree reinsurance program to help cover over 12 million retirees not yet eligible for Medicare
Putting Americans – not insurance companies – in charge of their health care by improving insurance plans:
o Eliminating pre-existing condition exclusions for kids immediately and for all Americans by 2014;
o Eliminating lifetime limits and caps on coverage immediately and phasing out annual limits and caps on coverage by 2014;
o Prohibiting insurance companies from canceling or rescinding your policy if you get too sick;
o Requiring insurance companies to spend 80-85% of your premium dollars on health benefits – not administrative costs;
o Allowing 6.6 million youth up to age 26 to remain on their parents’ insurance policy
Strengthening the Medicare program – extending Trust Fund solvency by 8 years – and reducing costs for seniors by:
o Providing each senior that entered the donut hole in 2010 with a $250 check to help cover drug costs;
o Reducing brand name drug costs in the donut hole by at least 50%, discounting generic drug costs, and closing the donut hole entirely over time;
o Eliminating all co-pays and deductibles for preventive services;
o Eliminating overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans;
o Providing seniors with a free annual wellness exam.
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