New Features of Health Care Reform

Several important features of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as "health care reform," are going into effect this summer. You now have more opportunities to get affordable coverage, help a child or loved one get the care they need, and potentially save money on the cost of prescription medications. A new comprehensive Web site explaining the health care options in your area, as well as how health care reform works and what it means for you, is now publicly available and receives regular updates. Read more to learn how the law helps you and your family save money and stay healthy.

Improved Insurance Industry Standards

Most insurance companies can no longer refuse to insure children up to age 19 because of a pre-existing medical condition. Most health plans can no longer limit benefits for a child’s pre-existing condition.

Young adults up to age 26 may be eligible to stay on a parent's coverage.

Insurance companies can no longer place lifetime dollar caps on benefits.

State insurance commissioners are receiving new resources to help them conduct health insurance rate reviews. This will stop insurance companies from issuing unreasonable premium increases.

New One-Stop Health Information Web Site Is Up

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently unveiled HealthCare.gov, an innovative new online tool created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, that offers information and resources and helps you gain access to quality, affordable coverage.

Newly Available Health Coverage For People With Pre-Existing Conditions

The Affordable Care Act created a new health coverage option for Americans who:

have a pre-existing condition

have been uninsured for at least six months

and have been unable to obtain coverage from a private insurance company.

To learn more about the new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP), how it works where you live, whether you might be eligible and how to apply, visit www.HealthCare.gov

Rebates for Medicare Prescription Drugs

Medicare has mailed out two rounds of one-time, tax-free $250 checks to seniors whose prescription drug costs fall in the Medicare Part D "donut hole." Checks will continue to be mailed monthly over the next several months as more seniors enter the coverage gap.

If you have additional Medicare questions, visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE

Newly Available Early Retiree Plan

The Affordable Care Act created a $5 billion Early Retiree Reinsurance Program to provide financial assistance for employers so that retirees can get quality, affordable insurance.

The program will reimburse employers for medical claims for retirees age 55 and older who are not eligible for Medicare. Employers with self-funded and insured plans can apply, including private companies, state and local governments, nonprofits, religious organizations, unions operating employee benefit plans, and other employers. Applications are now available online at www.hhs.gov/ociio

Additional Primary Care Providers

The Department of Health and Human Services is investing $250 million to increase the number of health care providers and strengthen the primary care workforce around the country. Communities nationwide have long suffered from a shortage of primary care providers.

