Obamacare gaining state foothold

March 21, 2013

California officials responsible for implementation of the Affordable Care Act are in Sacramento to discuss the state’s entry into the program.

One state lawmaker, Assemblyman Richard Pan, D-Sacramento, was spotlighting a new Health Access California report analyzing how this state is adjusting to the health-care overhaul.

Benefits accruing to California residents are many, according to the report by the statewide health care consumer advocacy group based in Sacramento. It claims “millions” of beneficiaries of so-called Obamacare.

According to the report, entitled “Three Years of the Affordable Care Act: Counting the Benefits, Countdown to Coverage,” the largest impact “has come from expanding coverage — getting people the care they need and providing economic security from financial ruin. The most recent 2013 estimates are that more than one million Californians have been able to get coverage through new options provided under the ACA.”

The report added:

More than 6 million Caifornians enjoy expanded coverage; 21,160 people denied coverage due to health status are now covered; 435,000 young adults have been able to remain in their parents’ health policies through age 25;  and 642,000 people in 53 counties have new coverage.

Also, by introducing rate oversight capabilities, 1.5 million state insured people have saved more than $175 million from rate hikes rolled back, retracted or withdrawn by major health care insurance companies.