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Christine Sebastian is a Health Policy Analyst at Families USA, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization striving to achieve quality, affordable health coverage for all Americans. For more information, visit www.familiesusa.org.
Christine Sebastian
Christine Sebastian is a Health Policy Analyst at Families USA, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization striving to achieve quality, affordable health coverage for all Americans. For more information, visit www.familiesusa.org.
Blog Post List
November 24, 2010
Question: I worked hard to advocate for the passage of the health reform law. I know that it will bring needed help to many people, including some in my family. However, I still hear so many people spreading myths about it—whether it’s death panels or huge new taxes, these rumors never seem to die. What can we do to combat the misinformation about health reform that seems to be spreading everywhere? Answer: You’re right—there are a lot of rumors out there about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Some are spread by people who want to interfere with the implementation of law and...
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November 18, 2010
Question: I currently have a pre-existing condition. When will insurance companies be prohibited from denying coverage and charging exorbitant premiums to people with pre-existing conditions? Answer: An end to insurance company discrimination against adults with pre-existing conditions will be fully implemented in 2014. This means that insurers will have to accept everyone who wants to purchase a plan, regardless of their health status. Additionally, insurers will no longer be able to charge sky-high premiums due to pre-existing conditions, such as asthma or diabetes. And they can no longer...
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September 22, 2010
Q: Will preventive services such as routine vaccines and mammograms be covered under health reform? A: Yes, health reform will make it easier for people to get timely preventive services that they need in order to stay healthy. If you have a private insurance plan that was purchased (by you or your employer) on or after March 23, 2010, then that plan will be required to cover recommended preventive services without charging you copayments, deductibles, or other cost-sharing when you see an in-network provider. For health plan years starting on or after September 23, 2010, a broad array of...
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August 24, 2010
Question: I cannot afford health insurance. What options are available under health reform and what will it take to qualify? Health reform makes health care more accessible and affordable for everyone. Here are some of the options for affordable coverage under health reform, along with information about where you can find out if you’re eligible. (Note that many of these options do not take effect until 2014, but new information sources for existing options are available now). 1. Medicaid : You may be eligible for Medicaid depending on your income and family size. Medicaid provides health...
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August 17, 2010
Question: I currently have Medicaid and would like to know how health reform affects my Medicaid? First off, rest assured, all individuals who are currently covered under Medicaid will continue to receive coverage. Health reform prevents states from enacting Medicaid eligibility cuts between now and 2014. It also prevents your state from making any changes to the program that would make it more difficult for you to keep your Medicaid coverage, such as requiring more frequent recertifications or imposing any additional documentation requirements. In 2014, Medicaid will be expanded to cover all...
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