Clearing the Air: How Healthcare Reform Will Affect Seniors
The healthcare reform bill, titled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed and was signed into law on March 23, 2010, but we still have a few lingering questions about its implications - questions like:
- What would it take to repeal or make changes to the health care reform bill?
- When does the mandate for an individual to have health insurance begin?
- What is an ‘exchange’?
- What is the fine or penalty for not having insurance?
- How does the government know whether someone has insurance coverage or not?
- How does the bill help someone with preexisting condition?
- What is the Essential Benefits package and who determines what is offered in the package?
- What is reported on the W-2 form as far as health insurance benefits?
- What is the definition of a ‘grandfathered health plan?
- How does coverage differ for grandfathered plans and new plans?
- How is my health care flexible spending account (FSA) affected?
- What is the new requirement to cover dependent children up to age 26?
- What is a voucher and how does it work?
- What is the pre-65 retiree reinsurance program?
In response, our friends at the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (CSA) put together a helpful guide to answer some of the most often-asked questions about the new healthcare reform bill to help make sense of the new laws and policies, which is especially important for the elderly.
In fact, according to CSA, seniors are the focus of a few of the major portions of the health care reform bill. These include Medicare Part D drug coverage, Medicare benefits, and the Elder Justice Act. The details of these issues as well as answers to commonly asked questions are covered to foster understanding on each issue. And while it is possible that the bill will be modified over the years, it is important to understand the approaching provisions and what they mean for you and your family, especially for family caregivers and those looking after an aging family member.
Click here to download CSA's "How Healthcare Reform Will Affect Seniors Guide" now.