HEALTHCARE REFORM

2010 Health Care Reform Information

As everyone is aware, Congress has passed the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act, more commonly known to the public as Health Care Reform. They have also passed the Reconciliation Act which amended some of the details of the original Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act.

Implementation of Health Care reform will arrive slowly and the details are still very fluid. TWIW is monitoring this very closely and the attached summaries are a good starting point for understanding what is coming as it stands currently and what changes can be expected within the next few months.

Most of the reforms, though not all, are scheduled to take effect several years from now. Those portions of the reform which are due to be implemented during the next few months are outlined in the document titled 'How the Health Care Reform Will Impact Employers', listed below. The insurance companies are waiting for the Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations on how to implement the most immediate changes which are:

1) Dependents can remain on(or join) their parents' health plan until age 26, whether or not
the dependent is a full time student.
2) No maximums on essential benefits
3) No cost sharing for designated preventive services.
4) Children up to the age of 19 will not be able to be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions.
5) Creation of a high-risk pool for people who currently cannot obtain individual coverage due to pre-existing conditions

It is likely these changes will be implemented by October 1, 2010 or by the first renewal of your health plan on or after October 1, 2010.

We will keep you informed as the rules and regulations are solidified. In the meantime, please contact us with any questions or if we can assist you in any way.

How the Health Care Reform Will Impact Employers (March 2010)

Timeline of Health Insurance Reforms that Will Impact Private Health Insurance (March 2010)