The Affordable Care Act a.k.a . “Obama Care”

1. The Affordable Care Acta.k.a.“Obama Care” TSWBAT explain the key components of the affordable care act by reading and being able to describe the answers to frequently asked questions in a group when given the questions and answers provided on the healthcare.gov website.

2. Questions/Concerns/Comments • Last week: • We read articles about the effects of not having health insurance • You then identified questions, concerns, and comments that you have about health insurance, your article and Obama Care? • Would anyone like to share the article that you read? • Would anyone like to share a question, concern, or comment that you have about Obama Care or health insurance?

3. Posted Questions

4. Questions to Think About • What did you learn about health insurance from last class? • What kind of insurance do you have now? What is the name of your health insurance company? • What questions do you have specifically regarding the affordable care act also called “Obama Care.”

5. Why Should I have Health Coverage? • Most people, especially young healthy people do not believe they will get sick • The average cost of a 3 day impatient stay at a hospital is $30,000 and fixing a broken leg can cost up to $7,500 • This can lead people into deep debt or even bankruptcy • Health insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company where the company agrees to pay part of your medical costs when you are sick or hurt.

6. What is the Marketplace? • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOkPAANg3R8 • What terms did you hear in the video that we have already discussed? • What terms from the video did you not know?

7. How Health Insurance Works • Premium = A fixed amount you pay into your insurance plan, usually monthly • Pay every month even when you do not use medical care • Deductible = Paid when you need medical care and is the amount you pay for care prior to insurance kicking in and paying their share • Copayment = A fixed amount you will pay for medical services after you have reached the deductible and then the health plan pays the rest • Coinsurance = A percentage of costs you pay and the insurance company pays the rest

8. How to Apply on Marketplace See Plans Before I Apply • The marketplace helps uninsured people find health coverage. • Plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventative care • Go to www.healthcare.gov • Open enrollment for 2014 will close March 21, 2014 • You can use “See Plans Before I Apply” under the learn tab on the website to determine approximate monthly costs for each plan option. • We will complete an example together • When ready to apply, click apply now and it takes you through each of the steps

9. What can it do for you? • Coverage: • Ends Pre-Existing Condition Exclusions for Children: • Health plans can no longer limit or deny benefits to children under 19 due to a pre-existing condition. • This includes Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) • Keeps Young Adults Covered: • If you are under 26, you may be eligible to be covered under your parent’s health plan. • Ends Arbitrary Withdrawals of Insurance Coverage: • Insurers can no longer cancel your coverage just because you made an honest mistake. • Guarantees Your Right to Appeal: • You now have the right to ask that your plan reconsider its denial of payment.

10. What can it do for you? • Costs: • Ends Lifetime Limits on Coverage: • Lifetime limits on most benefits are banned for all new health insurance plans. • Reviews Premium Increases: • Insurance companies must now publicly justify any unreasonable rate hikes. • Helps You Get the Most from Your Premium Dollars: • Your premium dollars must be spent primarily on health care – not administrative costs.

11. What can it do for you? • Care: • Covers Preventive Care at No Cost to You: • You may be eligible for recommended preventive health services. No copayment. • Protects Your Choice of Doctors • Choose the primary care doctor you want from your plan’s network. • Removes Insurance Company Barriers to Emergency Services: • You can seek emergency care at a hospital outside of your health plan’s network. • Under the law, they must examine you to determine if your condition is life threatening and continue to provide you with medical care until your life is no longer in danger.

12. Obama Care • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCQSGnZ0lTg • Why is it called Obama Care? • President Obama signed this law in 2010 • This law was a major campaigning goal in 2008 • Many Republicans are against this law because it has increased premiums (costs) for everyone in the country • The ‘political issues’ caused the government to shutdown in 2013

13. Your Turn to Learn About Healthcare.gov • In groups of 2 or 3 only • Choose a question from the chalkboard for your group to read. Each of you will independently read the question and answer. • When everyone is finished reading, you will discuss it with your group • As a group determine how you will present your question and answer to the class. Use the script to guide you. • Each person is responsible for presenting an aspect of what you read.