U.S.: ACA already saving money for insured

• Tweet

WASHINGTON, March 23 (UPI) -- U.S. families who buy private health insurance through state-based exchanges in 2014 could save as much as $2,300 a year on healthcare spending, officials say.

"Exchanges will be a single market where families or individuals can purchase and enroll in an affordable health insurance plan that meets their needs. They'll be able to compare health plans, get answers to questions about their insurance options, and find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs like the Children's Health Insurance Program," a statement by the White House said.

"These exchanges will offer a way to get insurance that isn't provided by -- or tied to -- an employer, meaning Americans will have the security of knowing they don't have to worry about losing or finding coverage if they're laid off, change jobs, or are self-employed."

Insurers that provide coverage through exchanges won't be able to deny care to anyone based on a pre-existing condition, or limit the amount of care they'll cover during the course of year or during a person's lifetime, the statement said.

People who are insured are already receiving preventive medicine benefits without deductibles or co-payments due to the Affordable Care Act, the statement said.

"Millions of Americans with Medicare and private insurance have seen their out-pocket costs go down to zero for recommended preventive care like flu shots or cancer screenings now covered with no cost sharing under the law," the statement. said. "This puts more money back into people's pockets, while making sure they get the preventive care they need," the White House said.