WHAT ACTUALLY IS IN THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT?

What follows is one of what will be a series of facts on what is included in the Affordable Care Act. Readers can come to their own conclusions as to the value of the rule and whether the rule should or should not be part of our country’s health care system.

The Affordable Care Act stops health plans from retroactively canceling your insurance coverage solely because you or your employer made an honest mistake on your insurance application.

What This Means for You

Before the health care law, if your insurance company found that you’d made a mistake on your insurance application, the insurance company might “rescind” your benefits — that is, declare your policy invalid from the day it began. Your insurance company might also ask you to pay back any money already spent for your medical care.

Now, an insurer cannot rescind your coverage simply because you made an honest mistake or left out information that has little bearing on your health.

Status of rule: In effect as of September 23, 2010

For More Information on this Benefit:

http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/cancellations/index.html

For More Information on the Affordable Care Act:

 www.healthcare.gov

Willie C. Moore