When does the new healthcare reform take effect?
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act. The law puts in place health insurance reforms that will roll out over four years and beyond, with most changes taking place by 2014. Others have already begun. To see a complete timeline visit www.healthcare.gov.
I have a pre-existing medical condition and cannot find affordable health insurance. How does the new law impact me?
The law requires that individuals with a pre-existing medical condition who meet eligibility requirements be offered access to a high risk pool. People covered under the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan will have access to a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. You will not be charged higher premiums just because of your medical condition. Enrollment is not based on income.
Residents of the State of
My child, who just graduated from college, is unemployed and needs health insurance? Can I keep them on my health insurance policy?
Young adults who do not have an offer of coverage through an employer will now be allowed to remain on their parent’s health insurance policy until their 26th birthday.
I am an early retiree and not yet eligible for Medicare. What is available for me?
The new law created a reinsurance program to provide financial assistance to employers who provide health insurance coverage to retirees from age 55 to 65 that are not otherwise eligible for Medicare. For more information visit www.errp.gov.
Who will be eligible for Medicaid under the new law?
Beginning in 2014, state Medicaid programs will be expanded to cover all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level ($14,400 for an individual or $29,300 for a family of four in 2010). Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Medicaid regardless of their income, and legal immigrants who have resided in the
Will healthcare reform help cover my Medicare prescription drug costs that are not currently covered (the “donut hole”)?
In 2010, beneficiaries who fall into the Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage gap will receive a $250 rebate on prescription drug costs. In 2011, if you hit the prescription drug donut hole, you will get a 50% discount on brand-name drugs. Every year after, you will pay less for your prescription drugs in the donut hole until there’s complete coverage of the donut hole in 2020. Between now and then, you will get continuous Medicare coverage for your prescription drugs.