Medical News: How the Affordable Care Act will impact DBCC's mission

Written by Chelsea Michael, DBCC Outreach & Education Coordinator

Wondering how the new health care changes will affect breast cancer survivors and breast health?  Read about coverage, mammograms, and more.

More affordable insurance options for breast cancer survivors and other individuals

The Affordable Care Act limits insurance discrimination based on health condition.  Insurance coverage cannot be canceled due to a new diagnosis of breast cancer or other illness, and, starting in 2014, coverage cannot be denied or made more expensive due to history of breast cancer or another condition.  In the mean time, Delawareans rejected from individual plans can get benefits comparable to what federal employees receive at prices healthy people would pay through the federal Pre-existing Condition Plan.  Click here for more information.  State Medicaid programs are also expanding to cover childless adults earning up to 133% of the poverty line. 

Full coverage for mammograms and other preventive services

Insurance, including federal plans, must cover the whole cost of regular mammograms (every 1-2 years) for women 40 and older.  Women on new plans (or non-grandfathered plans) no longer need to pay a deductible, co-pay or co-insurance for regular breast screening, as recommended by federal guidelines, as long as they go to in-network mammography providers.  Insurance companies must also pay the whole cost of other essential preventive health care services.  Click here to learn more.

Many insurance companies already cover the cost of mammography screening without a deductible or co-pay, check with your provider to see if your screening is already covered. DBCC wants to make sure that ability to pay is not a barrier to screening for women in Delaware. We can link you with free or low-cost screenings programs throughout the state. Call 1-888-672-9647 for more information.

 

Advocates helping survivors and other individuals understand insurance

Breast cancer survivors and other individuals can contact Consumer Assistance Programs (CAPs) to help them better understand insurance options.  CAPs can help individuals with complaints or appeals against insurance company decisions.  In Delaware, The Department of Insurance is partnering with two non-profit organizations, the Latin American Community Center and First State Community Center, to form a CAP supported by federal funding. Click here for more information.

More resources

Watch DBCC’s website for upcoming health care reform and policy content.  The National Breast Cancer Coalition Action Center reports on how the reform affects breast cancer survivors.  For general information about health care reform from an independent organization check out the Kaiser Health Reform Gateway.