Special to The SUN
Q: I have health care coverage now through the new Health Insurance Marketplace, but I’m not sure I understand how it works, as it has been awhile since I have had health insurance. Can you help?
A: Yes. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act five years ago, about 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage. That’s the largest reduction of the uninsured in four decades.
Many of those newly insured are navigating coverage for the first time in their lives and it can be confusing. They may not know who to call or where to go when they are sick. They may not think to take advantage of free preventive services available that can detect diseases like cancer early, when treatment is more effective, or help keep their diabetes under control. And, just as importantly, they may not know what to do to keep themselves healthy. Coverage works best when people know how to use it, so our next challenge is connecting people to the services they need: Going “From Coverage to Care.”
The full version of this story is available in the print edition and e-edition of the Pagosa Springs SUN. Subscribe today by calling (970)264-2100 or click here.
