Before this law, health insurance companies could remove children over the age of 19 off of their parents insurance. Now children may remain enrolled on their parent's health insurance up to age 26. A woman named Sally reported that her daughter Miranda, had gotten denied coverage due to previous asthma problems. Sally posted her story on hhs.gov, and said "On October 1, 2010, I purchased a new individual health policy for myself and my 13-year-old child, Miranda, who has been treated for asthma in the past. The new health policy excludes coverage for treatment of pre-existing conditions for all enrollees. On November 1, 2010 - one month after coverage began for myself and Miranda-Miranda was hospitalized for an asthma attack. My insurance company denied payment for the hospitalization, because under the policy Miranda's asthma is considered a pre-existing condition." With the new law now, the insurer cannot deny payment for hospitalization based on Miranda's pre-existing condition. Another example similar to Miranda's situation involves my father Scott Bryant. My father developed severe allergies and asthma as he grew into his late 30's, and his symptoms progressed as he got older. The symptoms got to the point where he had to see a doctor once every month to get shots and medication for his asthma. My father continued this for a year until the health insurance company refused to keep paying for the medication and shots. When he called the insurance company about why they denied his coverage they explained to him he had reached his maximum dollar amount of health coverage for that year. Now with the new law my father will also be able to continue his treatment without problems. .
The cost of the affordable care act may have significant repercussions for countless individuals. A webpage on affordablehealthcarepenalties.com states that, employers will begin to pay fines starting January of 2014 for not offering minimum health insurance for their full time employees.
