Health care reform in Indiana is underway. The “Affordable Care Act,” also known as “Obamacare” is helping many Indiana consumers with their health insurance benefits. But the legislation remains very controversial, and will be reviewed by the Supreme Court in 2012. It is possible that the entire Bill (or parts of the Bill) will be invalidated and overturned.

One of the key components of the legislation (and one of our favorites) is the removal of waiting periods and deductibles from approved preventive services. Along with annual physicals, well checks and mammograms, other covered benefits include adult blood pressure and cholesterol screening, depression and Type 2 diabetes screening, immunizations, and many other items.

Other changes already implemented include the elimination of lifetime caps on paid covered benefits, creation of “state high risk pools” and eliminating the practice of rescinding policies.

However, Obamacare has not reduced rates and it is widely expected that rates will substantially go up when the full implementation takes place (although tax credits may reduce the premium for selected consumers). The Indiana Health Insurance Exchange, if and when created, is expected to become an option for Indiana residents to buy their health care.

But without the assistance of experienced licensed professionals, consumers may have to fend for and navigate themselves on an impersonal website. In fairness, many details have yet to be worked out, so we’ll keep you informed of any update or change that affects your personal health care.

Although there are a few government websites that offer health care information, the vast majority of Indiana residents we talk to prefer to work with experienced licensed brokers that are unbiased and work with Indiana medical plans on a regular basis. And yes…that’s us!

Our website will continue to provide Indiana residents with current rates from the major insurance companies in the state, which include Anthem Blue Cross, Medical Mutual, UnitedHealthcare, Celtic and Assurant. Until recently, Cigna and Aetna offered competitive plan options, but both carriers have ceased writing individual business in the state.

Please feel free to check this page on a regular basis for updates to Indiana health care reform issues. The "Affordable Care Act" may be changing.

12-19-2011 UPDATE- We finally have a date! March 26-28 is when the Supreme Court will meet and listen to testimony regarding the legality of Obamacare. So far, 26 states have joined together in an effort to overturn part or all of the legislation. An official determination will probably be made by the Court in June.