Local Doctor Talks Affordable Care Act
On the surface, California’s decision to not allow people to stay in non-compliant health plans beyond the end of the year seemed like a defiant move against President Obama.
However Dr. William Meller of the Medcenter believes it shows California’s willingness to stand up for its residents. “It’s a progressive move, it shows that California is progressive and not willing to bend because of political reasons. It looks reactionary because we aren’t going along with the President. But we are going along with the plan, which is to get more people covered.” Dr. Meller said.
There are estimates that over one million Californians will receive notices of discontinued policies by the end of the year. That will force many to have to look elsewhere for healthcare coverage.
Diana Dooley, California HHS Secretary, said “I believe in the greatest good for the greatest number, but this is very hard on some people that have done the right thing.”
California’s decision has upset many, however Dr. Meller contends that many of the people would have lost their coverage anyway under the new guidelines of the system. “Most of those people would have lost their coverage anyway, because now there are minimums and their plans would not have covered them. So they would have been looking for new plans anyway.”
