Minnesota will receive extensive help from the federal government to ensure that the Affordable Care Act is completely effective. The Act is being implemented in phases and 23 September 2010 is an important milestone for the reforms in the state. Here is how purchasing a health plan will become an easier process after the Act is implemented.
1. Unmarried children in Minnesota will be able to stay in their parents’ coverage till they turn 26. This provision will go a great way in ensuring that young adults in the state have access to affordable healthcare even when they are studying or looking for a preferable job.
2. Children below 19 years of age and with pre-existing health condition will not be discriminated on the basis of their health status. This provision will be extended to the adults of Ohio from 2014. In the meanwhile, a high risk pool of $68.2 million will be available to help them get affordable health plans.
3. Residents can access to preventive healthcare facilities such as flu vaccines, mammograms and vaccinations without any costs.
4. Insurance companies cannot randomly drop residents from coverage. 356,000 individuals who bought their plans from dishonest insurance practices will be protected. Rescission will be allowed only in cases of serious and deliberate misrepresentation.
5. There will be external appeal process which an applicant can opt for in cases of dispute or denial over claims.
The Act will be completely effective from 2014. Residents in Minnesota will witness a larger number of benefits in their health plans then, some of which include:
- Mandatory access to health plans for all citizens of the state and those who choose to remain uninsured after 2014 will be fined.
- Medicaid will be extended to include a larger population from the lower income, irrespective of age, disability or family status.
- Tax subsidies will encourage 94,900 small firms in Minnesota to provide coverage at work. Tax credits will also be given to individuals and families who purchase health plans. Bigger companies, with 50 or more employees, have to compulsorily provide health insurance to their workers or pay fine.
- The state based Exchange which will be formed by 2014 will help the residents have access to health plans at cheaper and more competitive prices.
The existing 76 Community Health Centers will receive more funds from the federal government to double the patient intake and build more such centers. The National Health Service Corps will get $11.5 billion over five years to cater to 5% of the population that lives in underserved areas.
