Affordable Care Act: An NF Perspective

Supreme Court Decision Great News For NF Families!

Affordable Care Act: An NF Perspective

On June 28, 2012, the United States Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), originally the vote was tied, but Hon. John Roberts cast the deciding vote in favor of the act. Now many Americans will be able to have access to affordable care. For example, young people up to the age of 26 are able to stay on their parents’ health insurance coverage. So far, up to 3 million young people are insured. Women will also greatly benefit from the ACA such as coverage of maternity and they will be covered for pre-existing conditions such as cancer. For many U.S. citizens, healthcare coverage will not cease during a difficult period when it would be needed the most in a person’s life. With this in mind, over 50 million Americans who would have otherwise have difficulties getting healthcare, now will have access. The article “At Risk: Pre-Existing Conditions Could Affect I in 2 Americans,” discusses this. Pre-existing conditions are defined as, “…is a health condition that exists before someone applies for or enrolls in a new health insurance policy…” (At Risk). It covers ailments such as cancer and diseases as well as high blood pressure. As we can see, the definition is fairly consistent. So what does this mean for NF families?

Now, NF families and children cannot be denied health insurance for the pre-existing condition of NF. Previously, if a child had a pre-existing condition such as NF, he or she could be denied insurance or the benefits could be limited in the coverage of insurance. This is catastrophic because of the high cost of the many surgeries or treatments a child or children may go through. Under the new healthcare act, no longer will NF families need to be financially strained to make ends meet for doctors’ visits, medication, checkups or surgeries. According to the online article, “The Affordable Care Act: Immediate Benefits for Wisconsin,” the act will also cover the treatments and therapies NF persons may have to undergo after a surgery or operation, in addition there will be no limit on healthcare. This healthcare act will help thousands of people with NF and their families through the difficult times that NF creates.

This act will go beyond helping those with NF, it will help people across the United States who try to make ends meet to have good and affordable healthcare for themselves and their loved ones. No longer will children with pre-existing conditions suffer from not having coverage for their ailments. With the new healthcare act in place, now millions of Americans, with or without NF can enjoy the assurance of having access to affordable healthcare.