Health Insurance Articles
Health Reform Laws That Will Take Effect In 2012
2011-08-18
After much public debate about the state of the health care system in the United States, Congress and President Obama finally took action. The cost of health care has been rising for some time now and in order to offer every citizen the chance to get health insurance, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act. This new bill carries with it a bunch of health reform laws that are meant to keep American citizens healthy and in the best condition. It seems that our health has declined in the last decade or so because of the overwhelming cost to insure individuals and families. In fact, many people have opted not to obtain a health insurance policy simply because the premiums are much too high. But the Affordable Care Act is set to change all that, with some of its components having been implemented already and still more to come. Here are the 2012 health reform laws that you will soon see.
One of the first health reform laws to be implemented in 2012 will benefit everyone in the health care system rather than just one group. The first 2012 health reform law is that of an integrated health system. The government will provide physicians with financial incentives to form Accountable Care Organizations with other physicians. All doctors that are part of these organizations that help prevent diseases and illnesses and ultimately save the health care system and individuals money, will be able to keep some of the money saved.
One of the most encouraging facets of the new reform is the initiative to fight health disparities. All new or ongoing Federal health programs must collect and report all language, ethnic and racial data from patients. Human Services and the Secretary of Health will use the collected information to try and fight disparities.
A new program called CLASS will be implemented to provide new voluntary options for long-term care insurance. All adults who become disabled will be offered cash benefits in order to pay for any services and treatment they may need. This is an excellent program for those fearing losing their health insurance in older ages.
To save the government, the insurance industry and individuals money, there will be a reform law that helps cut down on administrative costs and paperwork. By moving everything to an online system, physicians can share patient information with each other, which will make it easier to care for patients. At the same time, this will cut down time from having to send patient information and speed up billing. Additionally, payment will be linked to quality outcomes to ensure that people are paying for the best care possible, helping save more lives and money.
