The Affordable Care Act will affect you in many ways, some positive and some negative. Mobility is a plus. Since pre-existing conditions are no longer a factor and the availability of affordable health insurance is everywhere, you no longer have to be tied to your job because it’s the only way you can maintain your health insurance coverage.  Whether you change jobs, are self-employed or are ever unemployed, health insurance is available and should be affordable. By the way, fees are monitored so you do not have to fear huge increases, pricing you out of your coverage.

Benefits are predictable and consistent with the Affordable Care Act. There are no more annual or lifetime limits on coverage. Additionally, all plans must provide coverage in ten categories of care including maternity and newborn, mental health, emergency services, etc. This is meant to end deceptive practices, fine-print exclusions and horrible surprises.

On the downside, there are no requirements to provide ancillary healthcare, such as hearing, vision and dental care (except some pediatric & emergency coverage), so I believe many plans will exclude these benefits to save money. However, as mentioned previously, there are numerous ways to supplement this coverage, such as HealthCard4Free – a no-cost discount health benefit card.

Here’s to your health, peace, and prosperity!

Dr. Chaz