July 2, 2012

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT BENEFITS CT RESIDENTS

State Representative Susan Johnson, Vice Chair of the legislature’s Insurance Committee, joined other state lawmakers at a press conference in Hartford  today detailing the benefits to Connecticut residents of the Affordable Care Act recently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I’m so pleased with the Supreme Court decision preserving the Affordable Care Act. The Act ensures that no longer will anyone be denied insurance for a preexisting condition, prevents insurance companies from canceling coverage if you get sick, and allows young adults to stay on their parents’ plans longer,” said Rep. Johnson.

Rep. Johnson said the court’s decision has brought hope to hundreds of thousands of families in Connecticut, who stand to benefit when the health reform law is fully implemented. It is estimated that:

• At least 70,000 low income individuals – people making under $15,000 a year – will be able to get health insurance through Medicaid.
• Over 240,000 individuals will participate in a health insurance exchange, including 40,000 employees of small businesses. A large portion of these consumers will be eligible for subsidies in the form of a tax credit.
• Connecticut’s uninsured population will drop by at least 170,000 people.
• The state will see its projected health care spending drop by 10% between 2011 and 2020—a savings of billions of dollars.

Among some of the ACA’s highlights for Connecticut residents:

• 42,224 state residents received a $250 rebate to help cover the cost of their prescription drugs; since 2010, Connecticut residents with Medicare have saved $44.7 million on prescription drugs
• Last year, 422,154 state residents received free preventive services – such as mammograms and colonoscopies – or a free annual wellness visit.
• 137,452 state residents with private insurance will receive $13 million in rebates from insurance companies this summer.
• 1,386,000 state residents (including 525,000 women and 367,000 children) no longer have to worry about lifetime limits on health insurance coverage (this is especially important for cancer patients and those with chronic diseases.)