Affordable Care Act Provides Security and Stability for People with Disabilities
Posted on March 23, 2012 by Megan Burke
Today we celebrate the two year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Many people are skeptical as to what the Affordable Care Act really means for them. Two years in, and I can tell you how people with disabilities are already benefiting.
No Discrimination Based on Pre-existing Condition
People with disabilities and chronic conditions will be able to find affordable insurance in the market. Insurance companies won’t be able to deny coverage due to a pre-existing condition or charge a higher premium because you have a disability.
- Children already benefit, and can no longer be denied coverage due to their disability.
- Adults will realize this benefit in 2014.
Extended Coverage for Young Adults
Young adults with disabilities can stay on their parents insurance through age 26. With the barriers people with disabilities face trying to find employment and the poor economy, young adults and their families can feel secure knowing they still have access to health services.
- 39,667 young adults in Missouri gained insurance coverage due to this benefit in the Affordable Care Act.
Free Preventive Care
People who have health insurance through Medicare and private insurance have no co-pay for annual wellness check up, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc. Preventive services help keep us healthier, and reduce more expensive medical costs in the future.
- 729,809 Missourians with Medicare received free preventive care in 2011
- Over 1 million Missourians with private insurance gained preventive care with no co-pay.
Reduced Prescription Costs
Medicare recipients now get more help with the cost of prescription drugs when in the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the donut hole.
- In 2010, 83,274 Missourians got a rebate check for their prescription drugs thanks to the Affordable Care Act.
- In 2011, 78,585 Missourians received a 50 percent discount resulting in an average savings of $595 per person.
Insurance Made More Affordable for Small Businesses
Often small businesses can’t find affordable health coverage for their employees, and now they can. People with disabilities who own or work for small businesses (25 or less staff) will now have access to more affordable insurance. In fact several smaller Centers for Independent Living and other small businesses providing services to people with disabilities may be eligible for the small business tax credit. Learn more about the tax credit here.
- The Affordable Care Act has made it possible for 65,000 Missouri small businesses to receive the tax credit already.
Access to quality, affordable healthcare creates stability and security not only for one’s health, but economically. When people with disabilities can access the health services they need without having to spend into poverty, they are more able focus on other needs and goals. Removing barriers to health coverage is a step towards leveling the playing field.
Find more information about the Affordable Care Act:
Top Five Things You Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act
Affordable Care Act – Numbers to Know
Information provided found at Healthcare.gov, Two Years Later: The Benefits of the Affordable Care Act for Missouri. Retrieved from http://www.healthcare.gov/law/resources/mo.html on March 23, 2012.