Navigating The Changes In The New Government Health Care Plan

When changes are eminent, people get apprehensive because it forces them out of their comfort zone and into a world where there is uncertainty and how the changes actually impact them is unknown. Changes to the new health care plan are no different. But as in most instances, education is the first step to calming those apprehensions. Sometimes the fear of the unknown is far worse than the change itself.

There will not be a major impact on employer sponsored health care coverage except that the government will not allow insurance companies to place a cap on healthcare coverage or limit your ability to receive benefits if you have pre-existing conditions. These changes are positive but will impact the amount of premium you pay.

Individual health insurance policies will also react to these changes much like employer based health care coverage will. The changes will be minimal and those changes that are imposed will more than likely be to the benefit of the consumers.

In the Medicaid arena will see a change by extending coverage to those who have an income less than the 133% of the federal poverty level. The biggest change will be that Medicare system will be expecting a $500 billion cut over the next ten years. There are anxiety issues on how these cuts will affect health care coverage for those who are elderly.

The newest and perhaps most interesting change in the health care system comes in the form of exchanges which will help to provide health insurance to those who do not receive health insurance benefits through their employer and those who work in and run small businesses. In the exchange program those who draw an income that is insufficient to pay for health care premiums will be provided with insurance premiums that are more affordable to them allowing for subsidization of health insurance premiums which would hopefully allow people in this sector to be better able to afford their health insurance coverage. Having a better overall understanding of the proposed health care plan and the changes that you can anticipate can help dispel some of the mystery and fears associated with the upcoming changes. Understanding how these proposed changes will affect your life will allow you to better prepare for your future.