Way #4: Preexisting Condition Protections for Children

For parents like Tracy, whose 9-year-old son Sami has a genetic disorder, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) means she can focus on her child’s care instead of his insurance coverage. Because of his condition, Sami has greater—and much more expensive—health care needs than most kids. Tracy knows that thanks to the ACA, Sami cannot be denied coverage due to his preexisting condition.

Of all the protections in the ACA, this one seems like one of the biggest no-brainers. Kids should not be denied care or coverage simply because they already have known health care needs. Before the ACA, common conditions like asthma and diabetes could cause a child to be denied. But not anymore. 94,700 Wisconsin children with preexisting conditions are now protected. In 2014, their parents and other adults will have the same protection. That’s quite a benefit.

Sara Eskrich
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As we wait anxiously for the Supreme Court to issue their decision on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), we know that children and families in Wisconsin are already benefiting from the law. It is important to recognize these ways in which the ACA is already making an impact and what could be lost if the Court strikes down the whole law. This is one in a series of blog posts highlighting what we think are the top ten ways children and families in Wisconsin are already benefiting from the health care reform law.