MEDICAL MOMENT: TOP 10 BENEFITS

25 Jan MEDICAL MOMENT: TOP 10 BENEFITS

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NURSE PRACTITIONER ERIC JOHNSON ADDRESSES THIS WEEK’S SUBJECT:

Eric C. Johnson, Primary Care Practice Manager, Board-certified Family Nurse PractitionerNURSE PRACTITIONER ERIC JOHNSON ADDRESSES THIS WEEK’S SUBJECT:

What Are The Top 10 Benefits of the Affordable Care Act?

1.  Since 2010 children can stay on their parents insurance plans until age 26.

2. There is no exclusion for preexisting conditions for children under 19.  This will extend to everyone in 2014.

3.  Preventative services including annual physicals, colonoscopy, mammography and well women care is covered without cost or co-pay.

4.  There are no lifetime benefit caps to coverage.

5.  Cannot be dropped from coverage due to illness or injury.

6.  All childhood and adult immunization, recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are now covered without cost tot he patient.

7. Insurers are required to spend 80-85% of their money on patient care, otherwise they must rebate the consumer.

Starting in 2014:

8.  Prohibits discrimination or higher rates based on gender, pre-existing condition or illness.

9.  No annual expense caps on care costs.

10.  Start of closing the “Donut Hole” for Medicare patients by 2020.

Editor’s note: The Telluride Medical Center is the only 24-hour emergency facility within 65 miles. You can choose your own medical provider visit with a specialist or take advantage of their Mountain Skin Care services. As a mountain town in a challenging, remote environment, a thriving medical center is vital to our community’s health. For more Medical Moments on TIO, Click Here.