The Affordable Care Act is important for Maine and the nation’s children and adolescents. In our pediatrics practices, we routinely see the positive impact of the bill. There are many young people who might otherwise have fallen through health care cracks who are now able to maintain insurance and affordable medical care, often for chronic conditions.
We see an optimism about health care emerging as large systems are looking at models of accountable care and patient-centered care coming as a direct result of this reform.
For these and other reasons, the (non-partisan) American Academy of Pediatrics stands in strong support of the Affordable Care Act. The AAP is an organization of more than 60,000 pediatricians in all states and territories, the Armed Forces and Canada.
The AAP is arguably the authoritative source on children’s health nationwide. There are roughly 200 pediatricians in Maine who are members of the AAP.
The ABCs of health care reform center around three fundamental priorities for children and pediatricians. These are as simple as A-B-C: access to health care services; age-appropriate benefits in a medical home; and health care coverage for all children in the United States.
The Affordable Care Act addresses these goals and provides many additional benefits for children and adolescents. As of Sept. 23, 2010, the following reforms for children have already taken effect:
— Guaranteed health care coverage for children with pre-existing conditions;
— No more lifetime coverage limits;
— Essential preventive care services are provided with no cost-sharing for
families or when joining a new health insurance plan;
— Insurance companies cannot drop coverage when a child gets sick;
— Young adults can stay on their parents’ health insurance plan until
they turn 26; and
— Out-of-pocket expenses are capped at $5,950/individual and $11,900/family.
Looking forward, we will have additional important benefits for young people in 2014 and beyond. Here in Maine that means focusing on preventive care and good value for our health care dollars, not a focus primarily on volume and profit.
That’s not to say that the law is perfect. There are parts of the Affordable Care Act that could be improved and strengthened over time. Some changes have already been made since it was passed two years ago. Undoing this law, piece by piece in court or supporting its repeal, is not the answer.
Instead, let’s continue to work together to improve on what we have gained already.
The Affordable Care Act is good for kids. Period. We recommend at least a second look at the benefits before passing judgment based on political rhetoric.
The Supreme Court is now hearing challenges to the act, and will soon decide whether the law is constitutional. Later this year, there will be a general election, with some candidates running on a platform promising to repeal that important legislation.
As pediatricians in Maine, we can tell people, first-hand, how much is at stake for Maine’s young people.
The passage of health reform by Congress more than two years ago marked the beginning of a much-needed focus on children’s health. We must build on that investment and put children’s health first.
Let’s preserve and strengthen the Affordable Care Act.
Dr. Steve Feder DO FAAP, FACOP, is president of the Maine chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Janice Pelletier MD FAAP, is vice president of the same organization.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
