Want to know how the federal health care reform legislation helps YOU,
YOUR FAMILY?
Go to www HealthCare.gov for easy answers to your questions … then tell
your family and friends about this helpful resource.
THANK YOU from Health Care for ALL-Oregon. By sharing this information,
you are helping us do our job of spreading the word about health
resources.
Click here to read the congressional testimony of Dr. Margaret Flowers, of Physicians for a National Health Program. Dr. Flowers criticizes the federal legislation, and recommends Medicare for All.
Many health care reform advocates have concerns with the bill. Advocates for reform, including members of HCAO, were split right down the middle on whether the existing draft bills are worth fighting for.
Most of the legislation won’t take effect until 2014. Here is what will happen before then:
Immediately:
– Small businesses get a tax credit to help them offer health insurance to their employees.
– People on Medicare get a $250 credit when they hit the prescription drug “donut hole.”
In 90 days after the bill was signed:
– People with pre-existing conditions who have been uninsured for at least 6 months will be able to get insurance through a high-risk pool (if they can afford the premium).
After 60 days:
– Children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage.
– People up to age 26 can remain covered under their parent’s insurance.
– Insurance companies will no longer be able to drop people from their insurance coverage when they get sick.
– Insurance companies will no longer be allowed to put a cap on annual or lifetime benefits.
From January 1, 2011
– Medicare will provide a free annual checkup.
– Insurance companies will have to spend a percentage of premiums received on health care (rather than administration etc.)