The patient protection and affordable care act: how will it affect private health insurance for cancer patients?

Abstract

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will make health coverage more available and affordable while also strengthening regulations on the scope of private health insurance coverage. Most of the law's key provisions take effect in 2014, at which time health insurers will be barred from charging more or denying coverage for individuals with a pre-existing condition. Also in 2014, qualifying individuals will receive subsidies to purchase private insurance through newly created health insurance exchanges. New rules related to caps on benefits and stronger rights to appeal insurance company decisions take effect in 2010. In 2014, all insurance policies sold to individuals and small groups will have to cover an essential benefits package defined by the federal government. Although many Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act provisions do not apply to all types of private coverage, overall the law will provide more protections to cancer patients and survivors in the private health insurance marketplace.