Health Reform - USA

Health Care Reform - USA


Emergency-room care is available to all by law, but
treating an emergency medical condition is not
comprehensive care. There is no follow-up after
most injuries and illnesses. Enough treatment is
provided to stabilize the patient A broken bone will
be splinted or cast, but cast removal and therapy
puts the uninsured on his own.

A prescription may be written, but the meds are not
commonly provided. Also, preventive care is not
available at ERs. Uninsured patients receive care,
and even though the treatment is delivered without
regard to ability to pay, those uninsured patients
are responsible for the costs and will be billed.
Even Medicaid requires a co-pay, and unpaid
charges will be reported to the credit bureaus.
Those black marks on a credit report can adversely
affect the uninsured's ability to secure student
loans,find employment and purchase all types
of insurance.

The Affordable Care Act does more than provide
emergency care. It allows so many
people to receive medical care at all levels without
an unpaid balance that will impact their credit
history. The law will create opportunities for more
people, and give them a chance to be productive
citizens, as well as lead healthy lives.