8 msfocusmagazine.org Doyouneednewhealthinsurancecoverage for2019?AsopenenrollmentperiodsforFederal programs draw near, there is information you need to know about insurance through the Affordable Care Act and Medicare. The Affordable Care Act, past and present In March 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. The law really began affecting the U.S. population in 2014, when many of the Affordable Care Act’s provisions first took effect. People with insurance experienced changes to their insurance plans with the implementation of “essential health benefits” and free preventative exams. Another significant change was that pre-existing conditions no longer prevented people from getting insurance policies. Those without insurance were encouraged to purchase insurance on one of the several marketplaces, run by their individual state or federal government. There were penalties that were applied to your Federal income tax if you could not prove you had medical insurance, either from an employer, marketplace, or an individual policy. Under the ACA, depending on your level of household income, you could be eligible for money to help pay for your medical insurance premiums, or you must have been exempt from the tax penalty. Since the introduction of the ACA, there has been a great deal of debate about the act, and some significant changes have been made. AlthoughtheAffordableCareActhascontinued to evolve since 2014, the pace of change has slowed and it has encouraged everyone seek out the proper medical insurance coverage for themselves and their family. What stays the same Because of the Affordable Care Act, all insurance plans, including Medicare, must cover preventative doctor visits. Additionally all policies must include or cover these essential health benefits: 1. Outpatient care from a hospital 2. Emergency room coverage 3. Inpatient care, while in hospital 4. Care before and after the birth of a child 5. Pediatric services 6. Mental health and substance abuse 7. Prescription drug coverage 8. Lab tests 9. Preventative services; screenings and vaccinations 10.Devices and services to help you recover from an injury Another result of the Affordable Care Act are premium subsidies. If you meet certain Health Insurance For People With Multiple Sclerosis, 2019 By Greg LaFleur Hot Topics