Most of the reform changes do not begin until 2014, and 2016 will roll around before all reforms are fully implemented. But there are some things that begin right away or by next year. Here are some of the things we will see in the next two years.
- Small business tax credits of up to 35% of premiums -- increasing to 50% in 2014
- Re-insurance program for early retirees (aged 55-64) to lessen health care costs -- effective 90 days after enactment
- Bans rescissions by health plans -- effective 6 months after enactment
- Bans denial of coverage to children for pre-existing conditions -- effective 6 months after enactment
- Bans lifetime caps on coverage -- effective 6 months after enactment
- Restricts annual caps on coverage -- effective 6 months after enactment
- No cost sharing (co-payments) on preventative care for new group or individual plans -- effective 6 months after enactment
- Interim high-risk pool to cover people with pre-existing conditions
- Allow children to remain on their parents health care plan until their 26th birthday
- Increased funding for community health centers
- Medicare: $250 rebate to beneficiaries who hit the Part D "doughnut hole" -- closes doughnut hole by 2020
Starting in Calendar Year 2011
- Require individual plans to spend at least 80% of premium dollars on medical services
- Require group plans to spend at least 85% of premium dollars on medical services
- Medicare: 50% discount on brand name drugs for beneficiaries who hit the Part D "doughnut hole"
- Medicare: Eliminates co-payments for preventative services
- Medicare: Increases payments to primary care physicians
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1 comment:
Good to know. Nice and linear explanations. Thanks.
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