My mom went into Union Hospital (Terre Haute) for surgery this week and they asked her if she owned any guns when she checked in. My wife was with her. Probably a good thing it wasn't me.
Has this happened to anyone else?
False. What ACA actually says is that the information can not be recorded. Anyone can ask, but it is not a required question and, as such, does not need to be answered.
Here's the text directly from the bill, emphasis mine.
‘‘(c) PROTECTION OF SECOND AMENDMENT GUN RIGHTS.—øAs
added by section 10101(e)(2)¿
‘‘(1) WELLNESS AND PREVENTION PROGRAMS.—A wellness
and health promotion activity implemented under subsection
(a)(1)(D) may not require the disclosure or collection of any
information relating to—
‘‘(A) the presence or storage of a lawfully-possessed
firearm or ammunition in the residence or on the property
of an individual; or
‘‘(B) the lawful use, possession, or storage of a firearm
or ammunition by an individual.
‘‘(2) LIMITATION ON DATA COLLECTION.—None of the
authorities provided to the Secretary under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or an amendment made by that
Act shall be construed to authorize or may be used for the
collection of any information relating to—
‘‘(A) the lawful ownership or possession of a firearm
or ammunition;
‘‘(B) the lawful use of a firearm or ammunition; or
‘‘(C) the lawful storage of a firearm or ammunition.
‘‘(3) LIMITATION ON DATABASES OR DATA BANKS.—None of
the authorities provided to the Secretary under the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act or an amendment made
by that Act shall be construed to authorize or may be used
to maintain records of individual ownership or possession of
a firearm or ammunition.
‘‘(4) LIMITATION ON DETERMINATION OF PREMIUM RATES OR
ELIGIBILITY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE.—A premium rate may not
be increased, health insurance coverage may not be denied,
and a discount, rebate, or reward offered for participation in
a wellness program may not be reduced or withheld under
any health benefit plan issued pursuant to or in accordance
with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or an
amendment made by that Act on the basis of, or on reliance
upon—
‘‘(A) the lawful ownership or possession of a firearm
or ammunition; or
‘‘(B) the lawful use or storage of a firearm or ammunition.
‘‘(5) LIMITATION ON DATA COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR
INDIVIDUALS.—No individual shall be required to disclose any
information under any data collection activity authorized under
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act or an amendment made by that Act relating to—
‘‘(A) the lawful ownership or possession of a firearm
or ammunition; or
‘‘(B) the lawful use, possession, or storage of a firearm
or ammunition.
http://www.ncsl.org/documents/health/ppaca-consolidated.pdf
According to the official list, EO 16 states: Clarify that the Affordable Care Act does not prohibit doctors asking their patients about guns in their homes.
The doctors can choose to ask. It can not be required as a condition of medical care. If it is not required, it is not required that you answer.
Last year while I was getting a second opinion on a medical condition they asked me about smoking. While I quit smoking in 1985; I did not answer the question.
The nurse tracked me down & harangued me regarding the omitted response. I asked what did this have to do with here & now. She continued to press for a positive response & when I told her it had no bearing on this situation, she said she was answering the positive response on the form. When I complained to the MD he said it was "policy" & required because they accepted medicare.
I haven't been back.
Answer
"Why? Is the bill going to be that high?"
I like it.
My mom went into Union Hospital (Terre Haute) for surgery this week and they asked her if she owned any guns when she checked in. My wife was with her. Probably a good thing it wasn't me.
Has this happened to anyone else?
It's probably also policy to treat any response other than "no" as "yes."
Which is why all the cute little snarky responses given here are a complete waste of time. They aren't doing anything other than confirming ownership. The correct answer is just a simple "no."
Not saying that I would reply using the exact wording from this scene...I just like how he put the inappropriate questioner on the defensive with equally inappropriate questions...Robert Clayton Dean (Will Smith): I'll tell you what. Rachael, was my girlfriend in my second year of law school, we still remain in close contact, and we swap information from time to time.
Blake (Will's co-worker): Did you have an affair with her 4 years ago?
Robert Clayton Dean: Everoff in the shower, Brian? Ever had any homosexual thoughts?
Silverberg (Will's boss): Bob, that's...
Robert Clayton Dean: [Interrupting] None of my f()in' business! You're damn right it's not!!