Congress recently passed sweeping health care reform legislation.  As of March 24, 2010, Congress continues to adjust the legislation.  Here are some general highlights of the new health care reform legislation that may be very helpful to you.

FOR SENIORS on Medicare

BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE:  Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. Effective for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2011, institutes a 50% discount on brand‐name drugs in the donut hole; also completely closes the donut hole by 2020.)

FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE:  Eliminates co‐payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program.  Effective beginning January 1, 2011.

FOR THOSE PRIVATELY INSURED

NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST ADULTS WITH PRE‐EXISTING CONDITIONS (Beginning in 2014)

NO DISCRIMINATON AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE‐EXISTING CONDITIONS:  Prohibits health plans from denying coverage to children with pre‐existing conditions. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, this prohibition would apply to adults as well.)

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED WITH PRE‐EXISTING CONDITIONS (INTERIM HIGH‐RISK POOL):  Provides immediate access to insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a pre‐existing condition ‐ through a temporary high‐risk pool - until the Exchanges up and running in 2014. Effective 90 days after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, health plans are banned from discriminating against all people with pre‐existing conditions, so high‐risk pools would phase out).

NO RESCISSIONS:  Bans health plans from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Effective 6 months after enactment.

NO LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE:  Prohibits health plans from placing lifetime caps on coverage. Effective 6 months after enactment.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS:  Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly doubling the number of patients served over the next 5 years. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

MORE PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS:  Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER ASSISTANCE:  Provides aid to states to establish offices of health insurance consumer assistance to help consumers file complaints and appeals. Effective beginning in FY 2010.

Source: US House Ways and Means Committee