Thursday, September 16, 2010

6 months of health reform!

It's hard to believe it's been 6 months since the Affordable Care Act (aka Health Reform) was signed into law by President Obama. New benefits that have just started include:

Extension of coverage to young adults
Now young adults whose parents have insurance can be included on their parents' plans, meaning access to affordable health care for young adults up to age 26. For more information see the Young Invincibles website. The Young Invincibles were a critical voice for health reform and continue to work for better health access for young adults.

No more coverage exclusions for children with pre-existing conditions
Believe it or not, up until now children could be denied for coverage for pre-existing conditions, even conditions they were born with. In 2014, the same will be true for adults as well.

Restrictions on annual limits
Many people who have insurance find themselves facing astronomical bills after a serious illness. Starting now, insurers must pay at least the first $750,000 of expenses incurred in a year, and in 2014 these annual limits will be eliminated.

For more information see the Kaiser Health News website