Timeline

2010

July 1, 2010

• Temporary high-risk pools have been established for uninsured individuals with pre-existing conditions to purchase health coverage. These plans are in effect until January 1, 2014.

• The federal web portal, www.healthcare.gov, has been created to provide information about health coverage options available in your state and information about health care reform.

• The National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council has been established to create a national plan to improve the health of Americans.

September 23, 2010

• Young adults up to age 26 can be included on their parent’s dependent coverage plan regardless of school enrollment and marital status. This takes effect for each health plan as the new health plan year begins. For many plans, that date is January 1, 2011.

• Insured children can not be denied services for pre-existing conditions.

• Insurance plans can not impose lifetime caps or annual limits on coverage. Also, coverage can not be cancelled when you become sick.

• New plans must provide specific preventive services for children and adults.

Starting in 2010 through 2013

• Employers with less than 25 employees will be eligible for a tax credit to offset 35% of their health care costs. The employer must contribute at least 50% of the total premium to qualify for the tax credit.

2011

• Chain restaurants and food sold from vending machines will be required to include the nutritional information for each item.

• A quality improvement strategy will be developed to improve the delivery of health care services.

• The Community-based Collaborative Care Network Program will be established to support health care providers to coordinate and integrate health care services for low-income uninsured populations.

2013

• Medicaid payments to primary care providers for primary care services will be increased for 2013 and 2014 to 100% federal funding.

2014

• Most U.S. citizens and legal residents will be required to have health coverage or pay a tax penalty.

• State-based Exchanges will be operating, providing a one-stop-shop for individuals and small businesses to purchase affordable health coverage and gather information about other coverage options in their state.

• Children in foster care can remain enrolled in Medicaid until the turn 26 years of age.

• Insurance plans must cover pre-existing conditions for both children and adults.