What Does the ACA mean to you as Individual AI/AN? National Tribal Health Reform Implementation Summit April 20, 2011 Jennifer Cooper Legislative Director, National Indian Health Board

ACA Objectives  Increase access to affordable health insurance  Slow the rate of increase in health care costs  Increase health insurance consumer protections ◦ Eliminate pre-existing condition barriers  Expand the health care workforce  Improve quality of health care/increase focus on prevention

Key Consumer Insurance Protections New group & individual plans offer required to cover preventive services with no cost-sharing.  All new plans must cover certain preventive services, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance  Effective for health plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010

Key Consumer Insurance Protections Access to insurance for those who were uninsured due to pre-existing conditions (Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan). Prohibiting denial of insurance coverage of children with preexisting conditions

Children: Insurance Protections Prohibiting Denying Coverage of Children Based on Pre-Existing Conditions The new law includes new rules to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to children under the age of 19 due to a pre-existing condition. Effective for health plan years beginning on or after September 23, 2010 for new plans and existing group plans

Young Adults: Insurance Protections Extended insurance coverage for young adults until 26.  Your adult children can join or remain on your plan regardless if: –married; –living with you; –in school or –financially dependent on you Effective – new job-related health plans and individual health insurance policies issued after March 23, For existing plan - as soon as it begins a plan year or policy year on or after September 23, 2010.

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