Democratic Leaders Introduce America's Affordable Health Choice ActOn July 14, 2009, House Democratic leaders introduced the America's Affordable Health Choice Act of 2009. The three panels with jurisdiction over health policy in the House have been working together as one committee to develop a single bill that fulfills President Obama's goals of reducing health care costs, protecting and increasing consumers' choices, and guaranteeing access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
In order to achieve affordable, quality health care for all, the bill establishes standards to ensure that all plans in the new Health Insurance Exchange cover a comprehensive set of necessary services and offer cost‐sharing protections for consumers.
GUARANTEED SET OF BENEFITS
A required core set of benefits provides coverage for essential health care services and items to ensure that consumers will no longer have to worry about being stuck in an inadequate insurance plan if they get sick. The levels of coverage will be defined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services working with the new Benefits Advisory Commission outlined above.
Benefits must include:
- Inpatient hospital services
- Outpatient hospital services
- Physician services
- Equipment and supplies incident to physician services
- Preventive services
- Maternity services
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services
- Well baby and well child visits and oral health, vision, and hearing services for children
- Mental health and substance abuse services
Download Bill Text and Fact Sheets
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