FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 8, 2010
Contact: Erikka Knuti (202) 603-4600; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On the Offensive: New Group Launches $2 Million Ad Campaign Supporting Health Care
Call for repeal based on false claims about the new health care law
Washington D.C.— With a nearly $2 million national ad buy, the Health Information Campaign launched its education project “America’s Fair Health Care.” While the project seeks to increase public awareness of the benefits of the new health care bill, this first ad focuses on the benefits that will take effect September 23, 2010. The ad theme, “not anymore,” refers to the fact that, under the Affordable Care Act, Americans no longer have to worry about being denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, being dropped from insurance or going bankrupt because they get sick.
To view the ad: http://americasfairhealthcare.com/notanymore
"On September 23rd, Americans can breathe a sigh of relief and say,'not anymore,'" said Andrew Grossman, president of the Health Information Campaign. "Americans want to be treated fairly when it comes to their health care, and thanks to the Affordable Care Act, that’s what they are going to get."
President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law March 23, almost six months ago. While many provisions of the Affordable Care Act will be implemented gradually over the next four years, those taking effect September 23 include:
- No rescinding coverage - Insurance companies can no longer use a clerical error or other technical mistake to rescind coverage after a patient gets sick.
- Full access to coverage – Children under 19 can no longer be rejected from health care plans due to pre-existing conditions. New plans cannot exclude adults or children from coverage for a pre-existing condition.
- No more “lifetime limits” – Insurers can no longer limit the amount of coverage someone can receive over their lifetime. No one understands this more than cancer patients, for whom lifesaving treatments can “max out” lifetime benefits within months.
- The beginning of the end for annual limits - Insurers must cover all benefits up to $750,000. Over time, this amount will increase until limits are fully eliminated in 2014.
- Expanded coverage for young adults - Young adults can stay on their parents’ health plan until age 26.
- Free preventive care - New health insurance plans will be mandated to provide preventive services such as mammograms and immunizations.
For more information: www.healthcare.gov
The Health Information Campaign’s project “America’s Fair Health Care” will continue to use paid advertising to educate the public about the benefits of new law and to address popular misconceptions. The Health Information Center has also launched a companion website that will provide resources and information about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
www.AmericasFairHealthCare.org
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"Under new plans, no child under age 19 will be denied coverage for a pre-existing conditions, period. Adults who have been without insurance for six months and who have been unable to obtain insurance because of a pre-existing condition, can apply for coverage under the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP)."
Insurers can no longer cut someone after the fact.
New screening procedures are now in place for health care providers to eliminate fraud and waste in the health care system.
Medicare Part D enrollees who hit the Medicare prescription drug benefit gap in 2010 will automatically receive a $250 rebate check.
Effective immediately, qualified small employers get tax credits of up to 35% of premiums for offering coverage.
Video
America's new health care law makes it easier for you to find the quality, affordable health care that you and your family need.
