By now many questions have been asked of you in your nursing practice and Professional Legal Nurse Consultant practice about the Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare“. While you may feel comfortable with providing some of the answers, PLNCs know this law has far-reaching effects on patients and the delivery of patient care.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: The part of this law that mostly affects patients and their care is contained in the “Affordable Care Act” section. The entire law can be found at 42 USC §18001.
Major provisions were/are implemented in stages: By now we have heard how January 1, 2014 is the date for health care plans purchased beginning October 1, 2014 in the Health Insurance Marketplaces. Purchases can still be made until March 31, 2014.
Preventive services are covered: As a Professional Legal Nurse Consultant, you need to know which preventive services are covered under the plans, which are covered free of charge and which services are not covered. For example, there are twenty-two covered preventive services for women and pregnant women, eight additional women’s preventive services covered without cost-sharing and fifteen covered preventive services for adults. This knowledge could impact your review of not only the medical records but the medical bills, as well.
As we go forward in time, the Affordable Care Act‘s provisions should become clearer. In the meantime, continue to check the government website, www.healthcare.gov, and stay tuned here for more blog posts.
