assurance santé is an important protection for people who get sick or injured. But like any other purchase, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. The benefits of having health coverage include avoiding large medical bills and having more choices in healthcare providers. The downsides include having to pay premiums and a lack of financial protection against catastrophic events.
With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Americans now have access to a wide range of healthcare benefits they never had before. These are known as essential health benefits, and they include services like maternity, mental health and preventive care. These important health benefits are a big part of what makes Obamacare so popular. But the Trump administration has been pushing to weaken or eliminate these vital benefits and leave Americans at risk. Learn more about what would happen if these essential health benefits were eliminated and find out how you can help protect them.
All plans purchased through Covered California offer free preventive care, including annual check-ups, immunizations and screenings for cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. They also provide access to low-cost generic drugs and disease management programs.
Even if you’re healthy and don’t have any current medical issues, it’s important to stay covered for the future. High medical bills are often the reason people take money out of their retirement or file for bankruptcy, and having health coverage can help you avoid these financial hardships.
The ACA’s Medicaid expansion has made an important contribution to the nation’s healthcare system. Since its inception, the program has helped 97 million people obtain quality healthcare services and improved their lives. But Medicaid is in the midst of a critical debate, with many states considering deep cuts to their program. This week, our “Medicaid Works” series kicks off with a look at the evidence on how this critical program supports individuals’ health and economic security.
Before the ACA, poor families were dependent on charity care and many went without healthcare. But with the enactment of the ACA, women got the assurance that they will be covered for prenatal care and delivery, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses gained access to habilitative services to keep or regain their skills. In addition, the ACA’s requirement that all plans cover a comprehensive set of benefits has given millions of Americans more choice and control over their healthcare decisions.
With high out-of-pocket costs and limited options for affordable healthcare, uninsured individuals face considerable risks when they get sick or injured. But by understanding the pros and cons of having or not having health insurance, individuals can make an informed choice that best suits their unique circumstances.