Abortion coverage will not be provided by Exchange plans in the Buckeye State. John Kasich, Ohio’s Governor, signed a bill that prohibits the purchase of any policy in the Marketplace that covers abortion. Naturally, opponents and supporters of the bill voiced their opinion on the legislation.
The group “Ohio Right To Life” generally supports the bill, agreeing that consumers have a right to health care, but not at the expense of a “death to an innocent child.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is not happy with the bill and has threatened to sue the state. Other smaller groups and organizations have also expressed strong opinions on this very contentious subject.
Who Pays For Ohio Abortions?
One of the key issues is whether citizens of the state should be forced to pay for abortions if “Obamacare” is fully implemented. Individual states are allowed to exclude abortion from covered benefits if it is stipulated by law. This recently signed bill actually originated in 2010 and had both Democratic and Republican support in June of this year. It would not be surprising to see other states pass similar bills.
Of course, the “Exchange” may never become a reality anyhow since it is part of the controversial Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act (also known as “Obamacare”). Currently, OH residents can purchase a wide variety of policies at affordable rates directly through our website or other insurers and brokers. The purchase process is relative simply and usually, experienced unbiased assistance is available.
However, if the Ohio Health Insurance Exchange does ever go into effect (probably 2014 or perhaps earlier), consumers may not have the choices they have now, and may not enjoy the free advice of experienced licensed professionals. As a government-run entity, many questions still remain on how high medical rates will become and how quickly they’ll increase.
Although federal subsidies will offset some of these costs (not all of them), it remains unclear who will ultimately pay for them. Most of the details (we hope) would be worked out by 2014 although full implementation will not be completed until well after that date. Because pre-existing conditions will be automatically covered, and no medical questions will be required, rates will undoubtedly increase. The unanswered variable is how much of the increase will be covered by federal subsidies.
Future Of ACA Legislation
Regardless of the future of the Protection And Affordable Care Act, We will continue to provide the most current information needed to properly compare your options. Ohioans like (and demand) to work with a local experienced firm that provides the lowest cost policies and is available to explain in detail individual and family options.
So…whether the Exchange gets off the ground or not, your best bet may be working directly with us, so we can guide you through the process. And as most of you know, we will continue to offer the lowest rates that are offered for private medical insurance here in Ohio.
UPDATES:
April 2016 – Obamacare is still alive although not doing as well as many had expected. UnitedHealthcare may not offer Marketplace plans in Pennsylvania next year, and many other carriers are losing millions of dollars by paying more claims than anticipated.
