BRIDGEPORT — The Inflation Reduction Act has a direct bearing on the health of West Virginia.
Among the changes introduced in the law, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden this week, is the continuation of subsidies for health insurance purchased through the Affordable Care Act introduced in America’s Relief Plan.
These subsidies have lowered the average premium that customers have to pay for health insurance through government portals, enabling more West Virginians to purchase health insurance.
The subsidies were due to end at the end of this year. Without them, premiums would have returned to pre-pandemic levels, perhaps even higher. First Choice Services, which helps people move through health insurance, estimates that about 18,000 West Virginians will experience premium increases, with 5,000 rising too quickly to pay their premiums. .
Now, Biden’s monumental Health, Climate and Inflation bill will continue subsidies and keep insurance premiums low.
“Rural communities have trouble accessing care and it is difficult to get care. This law will ensure one less burden on families,” said WV Rural Health Association Director said Rich Sutphin, “They have coverage so you can go to a doctor or a hospital and not end up with huge bills or bankruptcy.”
West Virginia has worse health than the national average. Almost a quarter of West Virginians are dependent on Medicare coverage, compared to the national average of 19%.
According to West Virginia for Affordable Health Care, 24% of adults under the age of 65 in the state are not taking prescribed medications because of their high costs. The Inflation Reduction Act will also reduce the cost of prescription drugs.
Jessie Ice, director of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care, said at a press conference in Bridgeport on Thursday that the legislation is a great first step, but there is still work to be done.
“There are so many provisions in this law that benefit West Virginians,” Ice said. “It is difficult to estimate the impact of the Affordable Care Act on West Virginians. But these subsidies have made it even more affordable.”
Subsidies introduced in the American Rescue Plan and now continued in The Inflation Reduction Act enabled families to qualify for significant cost savings, with some families paying as little as $10 a month for health insurance. Is not …
In a state where chronic problems and health conditions are so prevalent in economically distressed communities, this continued federal assistance is not only beneficial, it is necessary.
“This is a game-changer for West Virginia, because plans are suddenly affordable,” said Jeremy Smith, First Choice Service Program Director. “Now most people can take advantage of these subsidies and get a plan for less than $50 a month. I have also seen people qualify for as low as $10 a month.”
Smith and Health Insurance Navigator, which he oversees, is a local non-profit organization that helps people navigate health insurance plans and find plans that meet their needs through ACA.
When ACA was first introduced, there was a lot of negative press regarding its viability and accessibility. The website had issues and the process was complicated. Over the past nine years, the system has improved, and Smith encourages everyone in the market to try his ACA again with a new plan.
“If people have checked in in the last nine years and didn’t like the pricing back then or had a bad experience, a lot of them haven’t revisited,” says Smith. “That’s a big mistake. The website works well now, there are now two carriers offering plans, and these subsidies make the plans much more affordable.”
Fundamentally, the ACA and these grants aim to address deeper goals. Healthy communities thrive compared to unhealthy ones. Affordable insurance enables preventive care and is one less thing for families and individuals to worry about every day.
Stupin sees this firsthand and believes that one of the keys to healthy communities and a strong workforce is affordable healthcare.
“It’s a tool for economic development because when people are healthier, they’re more likely to be in the workforce,” Stupin said. “But it also helps our communities thrive.” , making our rural communities places people want to live.”
If you are interested in reviewing your medical bills or need help accessing your health insurance plan, visit the Navigator website at www.wvnavigator.com or call 1-844-982-2737. please.
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