Why the disability community should support health care reform legislation:

from the Justice for All Blog • Insurance companies must cover people with disabilities at the same rate as non-disabled persons regardless of when the disability occurred or how expensive the disability is to cover. They can’t charge more or deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing condition. They can’t cancel your insurance because you have a pre-existing condition. • Insurance companies can no longer specify the number of doctor visits a person can make in a year or in a lifetime, and they can only charge so much to a person out of pocket. They can’t put a cap on your benefits. • The plan includes a health insurance exchange that will provide low cost insurance to small businesses and the uninsured who make too much money to qualify for Medicaid coverage but cannot afford insurance at today’s rates. • Both the House and Senate versions include some form of a public or government-sponsored plan within the exchange. Medicare is an example of a government-sponsored plan so the idea is not new. • The bills also include coverage of wheelchairs (both complex and otherwise), walkers, canes and other Durable Medical Equipment. • Outpatient therapy (both physical and occupational - habilitative and rehabilitative) and mental health services are also covered. • Medicaid is expanded to cover up to 133% of the poverty level (about $14,400 for an individual, and $29,300 for a family of four) and affordability credits up to 400% of the poverty level ($43,320 per individual and $75,200 for a family of four). • The included Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS) Act establishes a voluntary national long-term services and supports insurance program which will ease the load on Medicaid.