Trying to keep tracking of all the information out there on health care and recent legislation changes? It’s easy to get confused about what is fact and what is fiction.
Below are four ACA myths debunked:
1. The new law cuts Medicare drastically, so patients won’t be able to get quality health care.
Inaccurate. According to Sara Collins, vice president of the Commonwealth Fund, the Affordable Care Act prohibits cuts to guaranteed Medicare benefits. There are provisions in the law to actually help curb the rising costs of Medicare.
2. Under the ACA, individuals will not be able to choose their own doctor.
Not true. The law doesn’t create a government-run system, and patients are still able to choose their own doctors just as before. Some plans have chosen to move forward with a more limited network of providers but the choice of who to visit is still up to the patient. The ACA also ensures that when a member is required to pick a doctor (typically in an HMO plan) they will receive the right individual care. This includes women being able to pick an OB/GYN and parents being able to choose a pediatrician for their children.
3. There is no price flexibility in health care.
False. There are many different options when it comes to price under the new health care laws. The Healthcare Bluebook is one online tool designed to help consumers compare prices for health care services and understand potential out-of-pocket costs before “buying.” The service allows consumers to look up the fair market cash price for procedures, tests, medications and other services.
4. Small businesses are hurt by health care reform.
No. The new health care laws can actually help most small businesses through tax breaks and available credits to cover the cost increase. While the Affordable Care Act does mandate the responsibility and cost of insuring full-time employees to businesses with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees, it also provides tax credits to offset costs of health care for businesses with 25 or fewer employees.