More than 10 years ago, President Barack Obama pledged during his campaign to reform healthcare and increase the number of Americans that have access to medical insurance. Despite a fledgling economy, President Obama kept his promise. Although the individual mandate has been removed, most of the legislation has remained unchanged. Additional preventative benefits have been added, and the Open Enrollment period continues each year.
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), which currently provides coverage to 7 million low and middle-income children nationwide. Low out-of-pocket expenses for comprehensive coverage provides an excellent healthcare option.
Nearly 50,000 more Ohio children could become eligible for this coverage, unless Ohio state budget problems stop the process. Governor Ted Strickland has already said the economy may delay the full implementation of the program. Coverage is very comprehensive with heavy emphasis on preventative treatment.
Under the proposed expansion, a family of three- a mother and two children- with an annual income of $51,510, would be at 300% of the poverty level, and thus able to qualify for coverage. But with state budget shortfalls of more than $600 million, it seems likely that many eligible children will remain uninsured. Those children can still apply for coverage and we’ll be happy to help find the best plan.
Young adults have access to several medical programs, but Buckeye State children should be healthier. Additional information on that topic can be found here. Millions of dollars could be saved on medical expenses if nutrition and exercise were a bigger part of their daily routine. Preventative benefits are offered with no or very little out-of-pocket cost.
After taking office, Strickland said he would like to get half of the uninsured adults and all of the uninsured children covered within two years. This scenario seemed unlikely, although we had a better idea in February when the Ohio budget was unveiled. The cost of coverage for low-income families was a major factor.
Until a program is firmly in place, the state’s children can be insured very inexpensively by many of the major health insurers, such as Anthem, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. Prices are typically quite low, since the number of submitted claims for young persons is substantially less than the number submitted for adults and Seniors.
Past News:
Proposed legislation being discussed will probably increase Ohio health insurance rates. Hopefully, some alternatives will be considered.
It appears the Supreme Court will ultimately decide if Obamacare is legal. I expect a decision sometime in 2012.
The Supreme Court has heard testimony from both sides regarding the legality of forcing Americans to purchase health insurance. It appears that this part of the law will be struck down, which could invalidate the entire “Affordable Health Care Act.” But judges are a bit unpredictable, so we will wait for their decision.
The Supreme Court has spoken! The law stands and starting in 2014, consumers will have to purchase health insurance or pay a special tax. Our website will provide live quotes in an effort to offer many low-cost options.
The Ohio Health Insurance Exchange (Marketplace) begins Open Enrollment in October. To apply, you can view quotes (fill out form at top of page after providing zip code) and we will provide your federal tax subsidy amount and best options.
With the Presidential election less than one year away, could Obamacare be on the verge of being repealed? We doubt it, although funding for specific provisions of the legislation may be in jeopardy. But the basic infrastructure appears safe…for now.
