Document Type
Report
Publication Date
3-2011
Journal
Realizing Health Reform's Potential
Volume
Volume 3
Keywords
Chronic Diseases and Conditions; Disparities; Disabilities; Health Reform
Abstract
In establishing minimum coverage standards for health insurance plans, the Affordable Care Act includes an "essential health benefits" statute that directs the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services not to make coverage decisions, determine reimbursement rates, establish incentive programs, or design benefits in ways that discriminate against individuals because of their age, disability, or expected length of life. This issue brief examines how this statute will help Americans with disabilities, who currently are subject to discrimination by insurers based on health status and health care need. The authors also discuss the complex issues involved in implementing the essential benefits provision and offer recommendations to federal policymakers for ensuring that people with disabilities receive the full insurance benefits to which they are entitled.
APA Citation
Rosenbaum, S., Teitelbaum, J., & Hayes, K. (2011). "The essential health benefits provisions of the Affordable Care Act: Implications for people with disabilities." Realizing health reform's potential 3.
Open Access
1
Comments
Also available on the Commonwealth Fund website at: http://www.commonwealthfund.org/Content/Publications/Issue-Briefs/2011/Mar/Essential-Health-Benefits-Provisions.aspx.