How the New Health Insurance Law Will Impact the Citizens of South Carolina

CHARLESTON, SC, January 21, 2011 (Press-News.org) The new health insurance law enacted last year has brought sweeping reforms in health care coverage. "I'm not a particularly political person, though I'm fairly conservative in most of my views," said Dave Forbes, owner of the Forbes Insurance Agency, but the Affordable Care Act has brightened the picture as never before for countless South Carolina residents unable to obtain sufficient health insurance. "I confess that I don't understand the negatives on a political/philosophical level, but I do know that numerous provisions of the new law add up to huge benefits for citizens of South Carolina looking for medical coverage."

Mr. Forbes then went on to explain the positive benefits of the changes.

How It Works

The new law promotes lower costs and higher quality of health care delivery in many ways. Major positive changes which are in effect right now:

- Prohibitions of Lifetime Coverage Limits

In the past, people with serious chronic conditions such as cancer were often unable to get vital treatment or surgery, because of insurer-imposed dollar limits on total benefits. Patients need not worry any longer. If you have already reached a lifetime limit under your current coverage, you benefits — and access to quality health care will be restored.

- Prohibits Termination of Benefits When You Need Them Most

Before the new law, insurance companies could discontinue your coverage if major illness struck, based on minor errors in your initial application — even after years of loyal premium payments. This is now banned.
- Provides Continuing Coverage for Young Adults Previously Insured By Parents' Plans

In the past, any child covered under a parent's health coverage plan was automatically dropped no later than age 23. Under the new law, carriers must continue coverage until age 26. Whether your plan is employer-based or individual, the carrier must cover your child until age 26 - unless he or she is offered coverage by their own employer.

- Prevents Denial of Coverage for Children with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

Children under age 19 previously denied health insurance due to pre-existing health conditions will now have coverage. Whether an insurance plan is employer-based or individual, your child cannot be denied.

- Limits Annual Coverage "Caps"

Until now, insurers commonly set very low "ceilings" on the maximum dollar reimbursement which they paid each year. The law has now severely restricted this practice. You must now receive annual benefits adequate to meet your family's needs.

- Implementation of Consumer Assistance Programs

States will get Federal help to establish or enlarge offices which help people navigate and understand the health care industry. The Federal Government has taken the lead by establishing Healthcare.gov. This site allows consumers easy access to a wealth of health-care related information in terms which most people can understand.

- Promotes Preventative Medical Care

Routine preventative service such as well-baby and prenatal care, immunizations, mammograms, colonoscopies, and annual personalized prevention visits for senior citizens must now be provided free of charge to you. Money is no longer an obstacle to guard your health proactively.

- Guaranteed Appeal Rights for Adverse Insurer Decisions

Under the new law, you must get a chance to protest your health insurance carrier's decision not to reimburse a claim. These appeals must also be reviewed by an unbiased evaluator.

The Future Is Even Brighter

The above improvements are just the beginning. You have much more to look forward to! By 2014, small businesses will receive tax credits for providing group health insurance for employees. Retirees formerly ineligible for Medicare will be able to get coverage through their former employers. States will receive new resources to stop and prevent the worst insurer abuses. These and many more positive changes are in store over the next few years.

"As I said," continued Mr. Forbes, "I don't know much about the politics. I'm just an insurance agent working out of my small office in Charleston, but I am a professional whose job it is to help the residents of South Carolina get the most bang for the buck when looking for health insurance coverage, and I see these provisions as a good thing."

Explore the best health insurance plans available in South Carolina by visiting The Forbes Insurance Agency Web Site, http://dforbesinsuranceagency.com. or call Dave directly at (800) 418-7442 and let him find an insurance plan that meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Contact Information
The Forbes Insurance Agency
Phone : (800) 418-7442
Postal Address :
Forbes Insurance Agency
111 South Ainsdale Drive
Charleston, SC 29414
(800) 418-7442
Email: dave@dforbesinsuranceagency.com
Website: http://www.dforbesinsuranceagency.com