Below are a just a few ways you and your family may benefit from health care reform:
Provisions already in effect:
- Insurance companies are not allowed to deny coverage for children (under age 19) based on a pre-existing condition or disability.
- Lifetime limits on insurance coverage are prohibited.
- Insurance companies cannot rescind a policy, except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.
- Annual limits on insurance coverage are regulated.
- Young adults can stay on their parent’s health insurance plan until their 26th birthday.
More information from the Department of Health and Human Services - State (Washington State Health Insurance Partnership) and federal (Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan) high-risk pools have been created to provide temporary coverage for individuals previously denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition.
More information on high-risk pool options for Washington residents - All new health insurance plans must cover certain preventive services, including screenings, vaccinations and counseling. Insurance companies cannot charge a coinsurance, co-pay or deductible for these services (note: if your employer enrolled in its plan before March 23, 2010, your plan is considered grandfathered and isn’t required to include these benefits).
Starting in 2014:
- Annual limits on insurance coverage will be eliminated.
- Insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage to anyone based on gender or a pre-existing condition.
- Individuals and small businesses without employer-based insurance will be able to purchase coverage through insurance exchanges, state-run health insurance markets designed to provide consumers with clear information about coverage options and prices.
- Individuals and families with incomes between 100% and 400% of the poverty line will qualify for tax credits that can be applied to their monthly health insurance premiums.