Health Care Reform

On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act known by many as health care reform. The law puts into place health insurance improvements that hold insurance companies more accountable, lower health care costs, guarantee more health care choices and enhance the quality of health care for all Americans. 

The law will not be implemented all at once. Portions of the law have already taken effect and other changes will be implemented through 2014. Many portions of the law effect children and families. NH Healthy Kids will continue to provide information about these changes as they are implemented.

Below are some highlights of changes that have already been implemented and some changes that will happen in the next few months. Click here for a timeline of what’s changing and when.

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.

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.