Healthcare Reform
Original Air Date: 4/08/2010
President Obama has signed into law the most comprehensive health care legislation since the creation Medicare and Medicaid. How will this new law affect you and your family?
Guests
David Flentge, President/CEO, Community Health Care
Mike Kreidler, Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner
Thomas Curry, Executive Director/CEO, Washington State Medical Association
Within 90 Days
· Federal Health Plan for people with Pre-existing Conditions
· Federal Funds will pay at least 65% of enrollee services
· Out-of-pocket limit will not exceed 45,950 annually
Within 6 Months
· Health plans include preventative services – no out-of-pocket cost
· No lifetime caps on benefits
· Cannot refuse children with pre-existing conditions
· Children covered by parent’s plan until age 26
· No co-pays for preventative care in Medicare
This year
· Medicare enrollees receive one-time $250 for prescriptions
· Small businesses receive tax credit for employee health coverage
· Washington state will apply for federal funding
In 2011
· Drug manufacturers provide 50% discount to Medicare Part D
In 2014
· No exclusions for Pre-existing conditions
· All employers and all individuals must be accepted
· No questionnaires or health screening for coverage
· Individuals and families can receive subsidies for health exchange
In 2014 continued
· Income based expense caps take effect
· People under age 30 can purchase special coverage
· Small business health coverage exchanges – tax credits
Insurance Questions? call the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900.
Additional information:
Kaiser Health Summary here
Kaiser Health Consumer Guide here
