millions of new customers. In part because of the industry’s support, Potter expects the ACA to be upheld by the “very political” U.S. Supreme Court, despite challenges from conservative Republicans and business groups that have questioned its constitutionality."
Potter told a coalition of liberal-leaning advocacy groups and policy organizations on Wednesday that supporters of the Affordable Care Act must be well informed and speak with one voice in defending it against powerful groups that seek to overturn it or undo the key consumer protections it contains.
The ACA “is far from perfect but it is a strong start and already making improvements in the lives of Americans,” Potter said, speaking to the first formal meeting of a group known as the Health Care for Maine Alliance. The group met at the Maple Hill Farm conference center in Hallowell.
For example, Potter said insurance companies can no longer refuse to cover children with pre-existing medical conditions, small businesses get new tax breaks for offering coverage to their workers, young adults can stay on their parents’ policies until they turn 26, and the infamous “donut hole” coverage gap in the Medicare Part D prescription gap is closing.
In 2014, health insurance market places known as “exchanges” will help consumers choose affordable coverage that works for them, just in time to comply with the ACA’s “individual mandate” that requires most Americans to have health coverage or pay a penalty.http://bangordailynews.com/2011/10/05/health/insurance-whistle-blower-potter-speaks-in-support-of-obama-health-reforms/
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