ACA, health care focus of forum

So according to the World Health Organization, we have the most expensive health care, not the best, and our citizens don’t live the longest.

In March 2010 the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was passed to insure that the 50 million citizens without health care would be covered in the future. The ACA also will, but is not limited to:

• Keep Medicare benefits safe, expands preventive care and shrinks the “donut hole” in Medicare Part D coverage until it is eliminated in 2020.

• Allow adults to remain on their parents insurance plans until age 26.

• Provide small business tax credits.

• End insurance companies ability to eliminate or prevent. people from insurance due to preexisting conditions.

• End the ability for insurance companies to rescind coverage and provides a process whereby consumers can appeal coverage issues.

• Eliminate lifetime limits on insurance coverage.

• Establish electronic health systems.

• Increase efforts to provide primary care in rural areas.

• Insurance must spend at least 80 percent of consumers. premiums on care instead of overhead, marketing and profits

• End discrimination based on gender and increases. preventive services for women without cost sharing co-pays and deductibles.

In 2014, under the ACA, Affordable Insurance Exchanges will be established in each state. Everyone will be eligible to receive insurance through the exchanges including members of Congress.

To learn more about the Affordable Care Act, Exchanges, advancing health care reform and a single-payer health plan, attend the educational program at Rainy River Community College on Monday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m. sponsored by Health Care for All Minnesota.

Sue Swendsen

Ranier, MN