In the US, 15 minutes, ambulance ride nine mile could cost more than $ 1,700. Treat allergies with spring pesky Nasonex might cost $ 108. And the replacement of an inhaler for asthma could cost over $ 175.
This is just a glimpse into the world of being an American uninsured. But thanks to the Affordable Care Act, all health plans are now required to cover 10 essential health services, including ambulance rides, drugs against prescription allergies, and inhalers. 
This means that if you have health insurance, at least some of the costs of these benefits will be covered. Many Americans rely on these benefits to stay healthy - and it is clear that without insurance, they can be extremely expensive
For example, the treatment of chronic diseases is now covered under the 10 services essential health .. Nearly 50 percent of Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease. So without the Affordable Care Act and chronic illness cover, half the country - the people fighting against diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease - could face incredibly high medical bills and struggling to get treatment
Although the 10 essential health services. now covered with no annual or lifetime maximum limits, many Americans may not know what these benefits are. Now it's time to learn about the 10 essential health services and enjoy your health.
1. Hospitalization
The average length of a hospital stay in 2010 was almost 5 days and could have cost over $ 4,000. That's a lot of time wondering whether your visit is covered. Fortunately, coverage now includes room and board, all the hospital staff care, and medications and laboratory tests throughout your stay. nursing home care, surgeries and transplants are covered, too.
2. Emergency services
In 2010, there were more than 130 million visits to emergency rooms to States -United. Unfortunately, trips to the emergency room can happen to anyone and are often highly unpredictable. Now, under the Affordable Care Act, visits to emergency rooms do not require prior authorization, and you can not be charged extra for off-network visits.
3. pediatric care
The main goal for most parents is the well-being of their children and good health . If you are worried that the visit to your child's pediatrician for the sniffles or chickenpox will not be covered, there is no more reason to worry. As indicated by the Affordable Care Act, dental and vision should also be covered for all children under 19.
4. Prescription drugs
Can you imagine paying $ 176 for Cymbalta to treat your anxiety? How about $ 162 for Celebrex to treat your arthritis? That's how much you could pay for those without prescription drug insurance. However, if you have insurance, at least part of your prescription drug costs will be covered as part of the 10 essential health services.
5. The prenatal and maternity care
Faced with an emergency Caesarean section is almost always out of control patient. Many times, choosing whether to have one is a matter of life or death. The fact that the average cost of a C-section without insurance could be up to $ 15,000 could lead many women to reconsider their growing family. Now that a category of essential services in health includes prenatal and maternity care, C-sections - as well as contraception and the woman visits, and care of the newborn - are all covered
6 .. laboratory Services
laboratory tests are often necessary if you're looking for an official diagnosis, but without cover, they can be extremely expensive . The Affordable Care Act requires that the costs associated with laboratory tests will be covered, so now there's no excuse to give up this blood test. breast cancer screening and prostate exams also fall into this category.
7. Ambulatory Care
This is one of the most common forms of health care. You head in the office or clinic of your doctor, get treatment for your condition, and leave immediately after it is complete. Covered services include wellness and prevention, treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation. Outpatient care also includes hospice and private home care.
8. preventive visits and wellness
Avoiding the doctor because the visit could not be covered? This is not only dangerous, but now is also wrong. Some preventive services are now fully covered by the Affordable Care Act as a supply of essential health. These services include vaccines, the Board of obesity, and projections of depression. Remember :. It is important to consult your doctor before becoming ill, not after you've been diagnosed
9. mental and behavioral health treatment
before health care reform, it was difficult for many Americans to get the mental and behavioral health treatment they need. Anyone can be affected by mental illness at some point, often taken by surprise. Although there may still be a stigma associated with mental illness, individuals can no longer be denied coverage for treatment they deserve.
10. Services and devices to help those recovering from an injury, or those with a disability or chronic illness
many plans in the past have covered the necessary treatment for a broken arm or a broken wrist. But coverage for something like physical therapy to treat multiple sclerosis has proved much more difficult. However, the Affordable Care Act now requires coverage for equipment and services to help anyone suffering from chronic illness or disability to maintain a standard of living.
Do not cover? You now have one more chance. From now until April 30, so you do not have health insurance and do not know about the tax penalty after open registration, you can get coverage for your family. If you choose to waive coverage, you will not only responsible for the cost of your medical care, but you will also face a heavy tax penalty to go uninsured. The safest choice is to get covered and avoid facing these costly consequences.
