As more and more provisions of the Affordable Care Act come into play, The Post sought to cover how the law would affect local businesses, students, Ohio University, residents and health care providers in Athens County.
MONDAY'S COVERAGE: Income gaps and the poor
System set to change mental health coverage
Next year, health insurance firms are required to offer plans for mental health services through the Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as “Obamacare.” When that happens, Earl Cecil, executive director of the board, estimated that annual figure of tri-county residents seeking mental health treatment could balloon to as many as 11,000 patients within a decade. Currently, about 5,000 seek treatment.
Act might not prevent prescription drug abuse
With more people insured, less abuse could occur because people who currently get their drugs illegally would have a legal route through their new insurance. Or the opposite happens and more people, now able to see a doctor, abuse the system.
Affordable Care Act to present multitude of exchange options
The ‘Obamacare’ health insurance exchanges open Tuesday. Here is a breakdown on how to register.
Medicaid expansion status still pending
State legislature debates package with potential to assist those who need help affording health insurance.
TUESDAY'S COVERAGE: Access to health care
If you live in a large metropolis like Columbus, getting seriously injured might mean being transported to one of the Level-1 trauma centers in the area.
In Athens, there are no trauma centers, so the method of transport could be the difference between life and death.
Village employees wary of potential premium hike
The Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “Obamacare,” will arguably widen access to health insurance for many in Athens County who are uninsured, yet among village government officials, there is fear of increased costs.
Just as Ohioans can start looking for health insurance on the federal government’s online marketplace, Ohio officials are warning consumers to be aware of phone scammers attempting to turn a profit.
WEDNESDAY'S COVERAGE: Ohio University's role in it all
University officials haven’t decided how the university will — or won’t — offer health insurance to its part-time faculty professors.
Free health clinics still remain relevant
The free clinic, also known the Heritage Community Clinic within the Community Health Program, is offered at OU-HCOM’s Athens campus but travels to many surrounding counties to provide free care elsewhere.
Provisions of health care law began Tuesday despite opposition
As many parts of the United States government grinded to a halting shutdown, major provisions of President Barack Obama’s health care law moved forward despite attempts by House Republicans to block it.
THURSDAY'S COVERAGE: Local community responds
Med students differ on health care outlook
Elsa Heiner, a junior studying pre-med biological sciences and president of the OU American Medical Student Association pre-med club, said the new law doesn’t change the perspective she’s had since she first wanted to be a doctor. Other students disagree.
Health care providers adjust to Affordable Care Act
O’Bleness Memorial Hospital and Holzer Health System officials said their respective care providers aren’t anticipating a significant rise in patients, even as insurance becomes available to more Americans.
Local businesses see change with new health care law
Effects of the new law will be felt among the businesses in Athens who don’t have to offer health insurance to employees.
FRIDAY'S COVERAGE: Education
‘Post’ solves ‘Obamacare’ questions and misconceptions
As more and more provisions of the Affordable Care Act come into play, The Post sought to cover how the law would affect local businesses, students, Ohio University, residents and health care providers in Athens County.
Many Americans have not felt effects of Affordable Care Act yet
For those interested in learning more about how to enroll in the marketplace and purchase health care, Athens County Libraries and Ohio Association of Foodbanks will be hosting information sessions throughout October and early November.
