Health Insurance is Making Headlines Yet Again

health insurance changes

Article Highlights

  • On May 4th, the American Health Care Act of 2017 passed in the House of Representatives.
  • Though the Senate has yet to weigh in officially, many are concerned about what it could mean for their own policies.
  • Nothing has happened yet, which means that your current plan is still your plan, and the rules in effect are still the rules in effect.

On May 4th the House of Representatives narrowly passed House Bill 1628, the American Health Care Act of 2017. The 217-213 vote certainly foreshadows the decisions ahead as this bill faces the Senate.

Regardless of your politics, the American Health Care Act of 2017 has the attention of millions of Americans. Why? Well, for several reasons:

  • The repeal of the Affordable Care Act (known as “ObamaCare,” or ACA) was a major campaign promise made during the election by Republicans.
  • The ACA serves as the source of healthcare for millions of Americans, including those who receive Medicaid.
  • Those with pre-existing conditions may be profoundly affected by the differences between the ACA and AHCA.
  • Those older Americans who get their healthcare through the ACA may see a significant increase in premiums.

What We Don’t Know and What We Know

What We Don’t Know

  • The Senate has yet to weigh in officially on the new Act.
  • Even if the Senate passes a similar measure, there will be a series of compromises necessary to get a single bill that both the House and Senate can agree upon.
  • Even if the new Act is passed this year, when it will actually be enacted–or what the provisions will be–will be determined over time.

What We Know:

  • Although unpopular in many ways, many people support portions of the ACA and want to see those provisions remain in the new version.
  • This bill has only passed the House.
  • Even those Americans who get their healthcare through employers may be impacted by changes made by the new act.
  • Other, non-healthcare related issues may demand greater attention in Washington, which could lead to a delay in the Senate.
  • The political divide in the Senate is much less wide than in the House (52 Republicans, 46 Democrats and 2 Independents).

The Bottom Line

Our bottom line is this – nothing has happened, yet. For now, your current plan is still your plan, and the rules in effect are still the rules in effect. If you have coverage now and get a subsidy, that is the way it will be almost certainly until the end of this calendar year.

That said, now more than ever, people need to rely on the most educated insurance group available to them – a licensed health insurance agent. At Latorre Insurance we have a team of licensed professionals ready to help you navigate not only health insurance, but home, auto, renters, commercial and life insurance. Contact us today, and let us help you with your insurance needs.


 

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Richard Latorre is President of Latorre Insurance, a full-service, independent insurance brokerage in North Carolina. Since June of 2003, his agency and its team of property, liability, health and life insurance agents and customer service representatives have served the insurance needs of thousands of clients in both North Carolina and South Carolina.