Pre-existing conditions: By July 2010, people unable to get health insurance because of pre-existing conditions will be able to use temporary high-risk health insurance pools in each state, giving them the opportunity to buy insurance that includes an annual limit on out-of-pocket costs. (Note: Most states are now preparing to meet this deadline; 18 have declined, asking that federal government handle the responsibility for their state instead.)
These insurance pools will remain in place until January 2014, when everyone will have access to health benefit exchanges in each state.
Retirees: Beginning June 1, 2010, the new Early Retiree Reinsurance Program will provide a subsidy to employers to help pay for healthcare coverage for some retired workers ages 55 to 64 who don't yet qualify for Medicare. Employers now providing health coverage to retirees must apply for the subsidy, which is designed to encourage companies to continue – and even to resume – coverage.
We’ll continue to keep you informed about key provisions of health reform as they go into effect. For more information, see the Kaiser Family Foundation’s website.
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