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On September 23, 2010, the new Patients’ Bill of Rights protections kick into gear, adding to the number of individuals and families benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. Starting now, these changes go into effect:
- Children with pre-existing conditions will be able to get insurance coverage for their health care needs.
- New private insurance plans will be required to cover preventive services, screenings and tests, without co-pays
- Women will be able to go directly to their OB/GYN without a referral, removing that extra step
- Your choice of primary care doctor is protected
- Insurers are prohibited from charging extra when you need emergency care outside the plan’s network
The Healthcare.gov website includes a brief summary of the new restrictions for insurers and new rights for consumers that begin to take effect now.