So I was wondering if anyone knows what will happen to people that have no insurance and use the patient assistance programs to get apidra and lantus after Obama care takes affect.
To some extent yes. The insurance markets will be open to them regardless of current health conditions. The law states in effect you must acquire health insurance. Unless you are in a small protected class. in exchange for that health companies must insure you. So lets take an example. Suppose I have cancer or diabetes and today I go to a health provider chances are good I cannot get it.
Post January 1, 2014, the companies will have to offer insurance. Now that does not mean you can afford it. Fort hat reason, you will receive health insurance credits to pay for the insurance. This will go all the way from the total cost of insurance to a small amount based on your income.
In the cases you speak of most folks will get from 70 to 100% subsidy. This shoudl allow for the universal coverage that is being demanded by the new law. Look for new material in August, September time frame.
Oh and yes, I knwo there will be those who do not believe this explanation, they will cast a doomsday version of the law. All I can say is there are tons of scare tactics out there and many of these arguments will show up in this discussion tread. For that reason I will not make additional comments.
I think you can find info at one of these sites:
http://www.healthcare.gov/law/ This has all the links including the full law.
in general, if you cannot afford insurance, you will be provided with insurance that you pay for on a sliding scale, again, as I understand it. See insurance options in the middle of that page. I don't know your state or aid category but I am certain that there will be an option for you and for your insulin needs. Search for specifics using "Affordable Care Act + (specific item)."
http://www.healthcare.gov/law/features/rights/consumer-assistance-program/index.html This one is about consumer assistance features.
Do you think these programs will still be available even if one chooses not to get the insurance?
It is doubtful. And so you know you can decline insurance, but you would be taxed at a rate pretty close to having a single plan. SO the choice is no benefit and taxes or a benefit and no taxes. This is a hammer and carrot approach.
Why would you choose not to get health insurance? The cost will be what you could afford based on your income. Assuming you are low income. If you make good money and just choose not to get insurance now, in 2014 you will be required to get it or pay a fine.