Health Care Reform Timeline
The following health care reform timeline is a timeline specifically for consumers. This health care reform timeline represents major changes that will be made to health insurance plans.
June 2010
- Medicare recipients that reach the donut hole will be awarded with a $250 rebate check.
- Early retirees may gain more health insurance coverage through their employer.
July 2010
- High-risk pools established across the nation to provide individuals with pre-existing conditions health insurance coverage.
September 23, 2010
- Free prevent care. Consumers will not have to pay any out-of-pocket costs for preventive services.
- Extended coverage for young adults. Children can stay on their parents' health insurance policies until they turn 26.
- Consumers can appeal decisions with external review process. States will be setting up regulations on how consumers can appeal denials from health insurance companies with an external review process.
- Eliminated lifetime or annual limits on health insurance coverage. Health insurance companies will not be able to issue policies that have lifetime or annual limits on coverage.
- Children under the age of 19 cannot be denied insurance coverage due to medical conditions. Children with pre-existing conditions will be guaranteed coverage.
January 1, 2011
- Seniors that reach the donut hole receive 50 percent discount when buying brand-name prescription drugs that are covered by Medicare Part D.
- Seniors on Medicare receive free preventive care.
- Health insurance companies have to spend 80 to 85 percent of premium dollars on health care services.
- Seniors that are considered to be high risk will receive better coordinated care after hospitalizations with The Community Care Transitions Program.
October 1, 2011
- Disabled individuals on Medicaid can receive home and community services from the Community First Choice Option.
October 1, 2012
- Long term care insurance program, called CLASS, will provide assistance to adults who become disabled.
January 1, 2014
- Health insurance exchanges will be implemented across the country to provide consumers an easy way to find health insurance coverage.
- The individual health insurance mandate will require Americans to purchase health insurance or pay a fine.
- Tax credits will be given to those who cannot afford health insurance.
- Individuals who participate in clinical trials cannot be dropped or limited by their insurance policy.
- Individuals guaranteed health insurance coverage regardless of health status. Insurance companies will not be allowed to charge more for gender or health status.
