Obamacare rationing coming to health care near you -- By Sally C. Pipes, The Washington Times

 (Illustration by Alexander Hunter, The Washington Times)


Denying coverage for some prescription drugs can end up costing more 

Many Americans began this month with new health coverage purchased through Obamacare's exchanges. At least, they thought they did — scores did not receive insurance cards or other confirmation that they actually had coverage.

The hang-up was largely a function of the technical glitches that have plagued the exchanges. Fortunately, several pharmacy chains, including Walgreens and CVS, decided to offer temporary supplies of prescription drugs to cardless customers who couldn't afford their medicines.

But even after their cards arrive, patients with exchange coverage may not be able to get the drugs they need. That's because the administration has yet to issue rules guaranteeing access to advanced medications.

If federal officials don't act, many chronically ill patients will have to settle for inferior therapies — or forgo treatment entirely. Americans must speak out against such government-driven rationing of care.

One of Obamacare's chief objectives was to improve access to care for those with pre-existing health conditions. The law prevents insurers from denying coverage to anyone who applies, regardless of health status or history. It also forbids insurers from charging older folks — who tend to have more health problems — more than three times what they charge younger people.

In order to comply with the law's stringent rate regulations, many insurers have scrimped on what they'll cover — especially prescription drugs.

So while people with pre-existing and chronic conditions may be able to get insurance through the exchanges, that coverage may not pay for the medicines they need.

(Click link below to read more)
READ MORE Sphere: Related Content