One might argue that access to affordable prescription drugs is just as important as the ability to choose your own doctor. That’s why many health insurance policies include a prescription drug benefit. If you plan on taking prescription medications – whether for long term or short-term treatment, here’s a deeper look at how to use your Rx or prescription benefits. If you or someone in your family takes regular prescription medication, it’s important to understand how that’s covered in your health insurance policy. In some health plans, you’ll have to reach your annual deductible before the insurance company starts helping pay for the cost of
April is Autism Awareness Month
April is Autism Awareness Month. This is a time to educate the public and our community on Autism and how you can make a difference. Did you know that 1 in 68 children are affected by Autism in America? The Centers for Disease Control recently announced that 1 in 42 boys are affected by autism as well as 1 in 189 girls. These statistics are growing over the years. In fact, Autism is one of the fastest-growing developmental disabilities in the US. What is Autism? Autism Spectrum Disorder is a cognitive disorder that impacts communication, social behavior, interactions, and learning. Autism is not the same
Patients with Pre-Existing Conditions May Face Higher Drug Costs
The Affordable Care Act aims to help those with pre-existing conditions get affordable medical coverage. However, some doctors claim that this is not the case. It has recently been noted that patients with serious pre-existing conditions like lupus or multiple sclerosis may not be able to get the health coverage they need to pay for their medications through the current exchange. The primary issue is that many of the medications for serious pre-existing conditions do not have generic versions. This means that these patients will be forced to pay the full cost for their prescriptions (some bills may be upwards of $62,000). Dr. Scott Gottlieb
Government to lower prices, ease rules on health plans for people with preexisting conditions
The Obama administration, expanding a program created by the new healthcare law, reduces premiums on preexisting condition insurance plans and loosens restrictions on who can sign up for them. By Noam N. Levey, Washington BureauJune 1, 2011 WASHINGTON — The Obama administration, expanding a program created by the new healthcare law, moved Tuesday to make health insurance more affordable and accessible for Americans who have been denied coverage because they are sick. Across the country, the federal government is reducing premiums on special coverage available to uninsured people with preexisting conditions such as cancer or diabetes. And the administration is loosening restrictions on who can
Pros & Cons of California’s Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)
What is a Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)? The Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan is a federal program that offers health coverage to medically-uninsurable individuals who live in California. This federally-funded health coverage program is the result of federal health care reform and is meant to help individuals who are unable to obtain traditional, individual health insurance due to a pre-existing condition. To qualify for the PCIP, a person must: Be a California resident Have no health insurance coverage for the past 6 months prior to application date Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or lawfully present individual Provide a social security number Have been denied