Benefits of the Affordable Care Act for Seniors


President Obama’s Affordable Care Act goes into effect January 1, 2014. The law will expand health care benefits to the 55 million Americans without health coverage. It also increases benefits for those who are underinsured, including seniors.

Insurers are required to meet standards set in the law. There are currently 9 million adults between the ages of 50 and 64 without health care and an additional 4 million who buy it on their own.

When the new health insurance marketplaces open on October 1, 2013, ambulatory patient services, also known as outpatient care, will be available. This is the most common form of health care and nearly all plans already offer this coverage. However, the size of networks must be sufficient under the new law.

Health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act will require individual and small-group plans to cover at least one prescription drug in every category and class of approved medications in the U.S.

Additional benefits include emergency care, laboratory services, rehabilitative and rehabilitative services. The medical costs from a hospital stay can quickly add up, so your insurer must cover your hospitalization under the new law as well. In some cases, you may be required to pay 20 percent or more if your out-of-pocket limit of $6,400 for individuals and $12,8000 for families hasn’t been reached.

Also covered under the new law is preventive and wellness services and mental health services. If you or your loved one need assistance getting around after receiving medical treatment, in-home senior care may be helpful.