This has been quite a year when it comes to health care for all of us. With the presidential election days away and everyone trying to decide who is best for our country, this "little thing" called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or better known as Obamacare, keeps coming up for those of us in the midst of health care.

Recently, I was at our national American Physical Therapy Association Private Practice Section meeting and I had the chance to hear an interpretation on what each Presidential candidate wants to do with health care. This of course affects all of us in the medical field and change is inevitable, but can be challenging to us to keep viable and effective.

As many of you know both sides have quite different opinions and I write this merely to stimulate thought as you make your personal decision what is best for our country. This is by no means a full list merely a quick overview for you to then do your own research.

The Republican platform appears to want to repeal the ACA and start over. They want to be able to sell insurance over state lines, which in theory would create more competitive pricing. They would require transparency in all health care pricing and ensure all people have access to affordable health care. They would block grant Medicaid and allow importing of medications. They would allow use of HSA's with tax free dollars and accumulation of money could occur each year.

The Democratic platform will keep the ACA and expand upon it with things like allowing 3 sick visits a year before your deductible takes effect and it will increase coverage into rural areas with telehealth, which it will reimburse providers for their service. Their will be tax credits for premiums and out of pocket expenses. It will expand Medicaid by matching 100% of a states funds with federal funding for three years. It will incentivize hospitals and MD's to coordinate care. They will block or modify unreasonable insurance rate increases. There would be an option for a Medicare exchange for anyone to buy into over age of 55 years old. They would expand disclosure on medical costs and new cost sharing protections would be put in place. They would allow medications to be imported from Canada and their would be a $250 medication cap per month per person medication.

As you can see we face a lot of challenges this coming year in the health care arena. Each side has its advantages and disadvantages and we will need to remain flexible and adaptable in the coming year as change is on the horizon regardless of who gets into office.

I encourage you to consider your health as a priority as you move into this next year. Remember that your health is your greatest asset and never give up fighting for it.

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Sheree DiBiase, PT, is the owner of Lake City Physical Therapy and she and her staff are devoted to your health. Please come see us in our Coeur d'Alene office (208) 667-1988, Spokane Valley (509) 891-2623 and Hayden office at (208) 762-2100.