ObamaCare: The Effect on Health Care Coverage and Baby Boomers The effects of the increase in covered lives with ObamaCare and the increase in utilization with the aging Baby Boomer population can have a large impact on the demand for healthcare. While it is not certain what is exactly going to happen with these two events, it is important to monitor and be prepared for these changes. Dependant on ObamaCare interpretation, we could possibly see a large increase in patient volume due to the increase in covered/aging individuals, or, a drop due to possible controlled care, limitations of care to individuals based on funds, and a large possible effect of Medicare potentially increasing premiums substantially. As patients, currently a threat of providers quitting due to pay changes to physicians can have a great effect on the ability to receive health care in a timely manner. The Baby Boomer Population • Individuals born between 1946-1964 • 78 million Baby Boomers (33% of United States) • In 2011, first of Baby Boomers turned 65 • Illness estimated by 2030 for Baby Boomers: o 37 million will be managing chronic conditions o 14 million will be living with diabetes o 38 million will have arthritis o 21 million classified obese with health risks About ObamaCare • Signed in 2010 for initial changes • Goal is to provide affordable health care to all • Changes are occurring on a annual basis: o Immediate changes:  Children can remain on parents insurance until age 26  Pre-existing conditions of persons under 19 is not allowed  Insurers cannot drop customers once they get sick Possible effects  To pay for ObamaCare, $500 billion of MediCare funds are be reallocated to support Obamacare and from this it is estimated that many seniors will see MediCare premiums increase substantially.  ACO modifications to specify elected procedures and limitations on referrals in areas outside of the prescription ACOs already developed, which limit displayed options for e-prescriptions for your physician to select.  Some fear a cap of medical expenses of $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for families from ObamaCare, which has the ability to hinder needed test and procedures from taking place.  Many speculate that physicians will retire/quit with all the changes. This will put extreme pressure on the system no matter what increases take place.  Controlled care, how much will the government control and how often will decisions need to be reviewed by a board to receive approval.

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