 |
 |
HEALTH CARE REFORM
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law comprehensive health reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The new law – referred to as the Affordable Care Act or ACA – contains several provisions that will expand coverage and improve the quality of care for low-income people with disabilities.
Basic highlights of the new law include:
- Requirement that all individuals have health insurance, and establishment of minimum standards for health insurance policies that can be purchased through state level Exchanges;
- Expansion of Medicaid coverage for all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level;
- Parity coverage for mental health and substance abuse services;
- Creation of demonstrations and pilots to create medical homes for individuals with chronic conditions, and to improve overall efficiency and quality of care;
- Increased access to home- and community-based services for people with disabilities through Medicaid; and
- New long-term care options for people with disabilities.
For More Information:
|