Health Care Reform

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Health Reform Timeline

We'll let others debate the pros and cons of health care reformhealth care reform
This is a broad term for major changes happening in the United States health care system now and in ... more.  All we want to do is help you figure out what the changes mean to you -- and your finances. Can you get a tax credit? Is your adult child covered by your plan? Is it better to use the plan your employer offers or a buy a plan yourself? What is an "exchangeexchange
A new way for people and small businesses to buy health plans. Starting in 2014, state-run exchanges... more?"  Find a comfortable chair and come on in. We'll try to make this as painless as possible.

 

2010

• Ability to cover children up to age 26 on parents' health planhealth plan
  A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more
• No pre-existing conditionpre-existing condition
  A condition, disability or illness (physical or mental) that you had before you signed up for a heal... more exclusions for children under age 19
• High-risk insurance groups (also known as “pools”) go into effect
• No lifetime limitslifetime limits
  A limit on the total coverage you may get from your insurance company over your lifetime. An insuran... more
• Restrictions on annual limitsannual limits
  A limit on the amount your plan will pay in a year while you're enrolled in a health plan. Limits ar... more
• Coverage cancellations only in cases of fraud or misrepresentation
• Preventive health screenings more accessible
• No cost share on recommended Preventive CarePreventive Care
  Programs or services that can help maintain good health (such as annual physical exams or immunizati... more Services provided in networkin network
  Refers to care received from providers who participate in a health benefit plan's provider network, ... more
• Tax credits for small businesses
• Temporary early retiree health insurance program
• New internal and external appeals processes
• Patient Protections, relative to Choice of Health Care Professionals and EmergencyEmergency
  A serious medical condition resulting from injury or illness that arises su... more Services

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2011

• MedicareMedicare
  A Federal government program that provides health care insurance to people aged 65 years or older, a... more changes
• Long-term care insuranceLong-term care insurance
  A variety of personal care services designed to help people with long-term physical illnesses, disab... more program
• Funding for community health centers
• Employers report health benefits on W2 statements

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2012

Hospitals face fines if people have to return to the hospital for preventable reasons

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2013

• MedicareMedicare
  A Federal government program that provides health care insurance to people aged 65 years or older, a... more payroll tax increases for people making $200K and couples making $250K
• Flexible Spending AccountsFlexible Spending Accounts
  A FSA is an account tied to an employer-sponsored health plan. It can be used to pay for medical exp... more contributions are limited to $2500
• Tax increase for medical device companies

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2014

• Health insurance required for all
• No pre-existing conditionpre-existing condition
  A condition, disability or illness (physical or mental) that you had before you signed up for a heal... more exclusions
• More small business tax credits
• Insurance exchanges
• New taxes on health insurers
• MedicaidMedicaid
  A State government program that provides health care insurance for low income people, including fami... more expanded

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2020

MedicareMedicare
A Federal government program that provides health care insurance to people aged 65 years or older, a... more drug coverage gap (doughnut hole) phased out

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