Iowans Will Accept the Affordable Care Act

by Paul Deaton

Each passing day diminishes the likelihood of repealing the Affordable Care Act in the 112th Congress. In explaining the law, the insurance companies are also creating a grassroots awareness of its benefits. Ultimately, the groundswell will be unstoppable as citizens begin to take for granted the positive aspects of “Obamacare” and acceptance grows. It has already begun.

At a meeting with seniors in our small town, the insurance agent said that the Affordable Care Act was getting a bad rap when it comes to seniors. It helps fill the “doughnut hole” left by Medicare Part D, the prescription drug aspect of Medicare. During his presentation, the agent was supportive of the Affordable Care Act and not one negative for seniors could be substantiated during the presentation. The seniors in the room were quiet, listening intently as they do when it comes to Medicare, assimilating what pertained to them. By the end of the meeting, the session built support for the new law.

A few days ago, the author received a letter from his health insurance provider titled, “How Health Care Reform Will Impact Your Health Plan.” It was not a price increase.

Because the plan started before March 23, 2010, it is a “grandfathered” plan under the Affordable Care Act. More specifically, there is a mandate in the law that expands coverage for dependent children up to age 26. The notice from the insurance company was to consider a new option for our health plan, whether to add our daughter to the plan during a special enrollment period. Whether we need it or not, this option did not exist and was welcome. Not only would it be welcomed by us, but also for many others who are receiving the same letter.

There was an amendment to our health insurance benefits certificate enclosed and it included:

All of these changes were positive and reflective of the promise that the Affordable Care Act would help middle class families. We don't tend to believe things like this until we hear it from the insurance company, and now they have spoken.

Like with everything, there is a cost to making the changes. Last year our policy went up by 18% and we expect an increase during the annual renewal this year. But so far, the positives outweigh the negatives.

Although Iowa's Representative Steve King has led the charge to repeal the Affordable Care Act, his work in that initiative has been made more difficult as insurance companies weigh in and people discover the real and positive change the law has already brought to middle class lives. Ultimately, Iowans will accept the Affordable Care Act.

~Paul Deaton is a
native Iowan living in rural Johnson County and weekend editor of
Blog for Iowa. E-mail
Paul Deaton