They're assistants to Congresswoman Allyson Y Schwartz, Democrat, 13th District.
Speaking to a rapt and totally engaged audience, Karen explained many of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act - "ACA" - recently upheld by the US Supreme Court.
Altho many of us in the audience believed its provisions are wonderful for mental health care, any or all of it might be repealed by an Act of Congress after the next election.
Here are some key points, most of which take effect in the near future:
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse are now considered physical illnesses. Will go into effect in 2014.
- Pre-existing conditions will now be covered by insurance.
- Insurance companies are no longer allowed to "drop" policyholders who have expensive illnesses such as cancer.
- There are no lifetime limits for diseases including mental health or substance abuse. (Many substance abusers as well as patients with mental conditions go in and out of hospitals or rehabs.)
- Young people can remain on their parents' insurance policy until age 26.
- The "donut hole" - or "coverage gap" will be phased out by 2020. Read more in the Norristown PA Times Herald.
- Money will be available for Community Mental Health Centers. (We didn't learn the specifics but this is important b/c of large budget cuts in mental health.)
- Medicaid, regulated by the states for lo-income folks, will now provide benzodiazepines to patients. This includes Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax, Valium and other drugs, all available in the cheaper and equally effective generics.
- The government has an informative website Healthcare.gov.
- As of August 1, FREE preventive services must be offered for women, 47 million to be exact, who are in already existing health plans. See list of services covered, including pregnancy and support for breastfeeding.
We gave our guest speakers Tuberous Begonias from Kremp Florist for their excellent talk.
If people have questions, contact them at 215-335-3355.
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