(Why America Needs Health Care Reform by Joanne Cochran, President and CEO of Keystone Health, first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper on November 22, 20113. Click here to read it at www.publicopiniononline.com.)
Many people are wondering, “Why health care reform? Is it necessary? What are the reasons for reform?” Political agendas aside, health care reform is necessary and important. Here are some fast statistics on why health care change can’t wait.
- The United States ranks 38th out of 191 by the World Health Organization for life expectancy.
- Fifteen percent of U.S. citizens have no health insurance.
- Medical debt contributes to 62% of personal bankruptcies in the United States.
- The new healthcare reform law will prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage because of a person’s medical history or prior health condition. The Affordable Care Act allows lower prescription drug costs to those on Medicaid as well as free preventive care.
- The 10 essential health benefits that every plan must comply with under the Affordable Care Act include: Ambulatory patient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment; prescription drugs; rehabilitative and habilitative services/devices; laboratory services; preventative and wellness services and chronic disease management; and pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
The Affordable Care Act has provided insurance options for everyone in the United States, effective January 1, 2014. However, we know that not everyone will opt to purchase an insurance plan through the marketplace. Franklin County citizens are urged to enroll in Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP, or to purchase an affordable plan through the marketplace to avoid paying fines.
The good news is there are many options from the state level and through the Federal government to provide options for care. Change is never easy, but change has to happen to provide Americans a lifeline for care.
Joanne Cochran is president and CEO of Keystone Health, Chambersburg.
Still unsure of what health insurance options are available to you? Keystone Outreach Enrollment is here for you! Call (717) 709-7969 or visit www.keystoneoutreachenrollment.org for more information!
