The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010 to help make healthcare more affordable and accessible for millions of Americans, including children. Here are some of the ways the ACA has helped improve children’s health:
Preventive care services
The ACA requires that all new health insurance plans cover certain preventive care services without cost-sharing. This includes important services for children, such as well-child visits, immunizations, and screenings for developmental delays. This means that children can receive important preventive care without worrying about the cost.
Pre-existing conditions
Prior to the ACA, children with pre-existing conditions were often denied coverage or charged significantly higher premiums. The ACA prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions, which means that children with conditions such as asthma or diabetes cannot be discriminated against.
Dependent coverage
The ACA requires that all new health insurance plans allow children to stay on their parent’s plan until they turn 26, regardless of their marital or employment status. This means that young adults can receive healthcare coverage through their parent’s plans while they are still establishing their careers and financial independence.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The ACA also reauthorized the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides low-cost health insurance to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private insurance. CHIP covers a wide range of healthcare services, including dental and vision care.
Mental health services
The ACA requires that all new health insurance plans cover mental health and substance use disorder services. This means that children who need these services can receive the care they need without worrying about the cost.
In conclusion, the Affordable Care Act has been instrumental in improving access to healthcare services for children. From preventive care to coverage for pre-existing conditions to dependent coverage, the ACA has made it easier for children to receive the care they need without worrying about the cost. Additionally, the ACA has reauthorized CHIP, which provides low-cost health insurance to children in need, and has required that all new health insurance plans cover mental health and substance use disorder services.
If you’re a parent in need of healthcare coverage for your children, visit www.everyhealthgroup.com to learn more about your options.