Health Reform Timeline

U.S. News & World Report has published a timeline for when health reform measures are supposed to take effect. This is a great way to see how, and when, the legislation will affect you and your family. We've republished the timeline below:


2010

• Medicare recipients are now receiving a $250 rebate when they hit the "doughnut hole" gap in Part D drug coverage.

• Businesses that employ fewer than 50 people are eligible for a tax credit equal to 35 percent of health insurance premiums.

• States can choose to establish temporary high-risk pools for people with preexisting conditions, similar to those for car insurance, until new health insurance exchanges are implemented in 2014.

• A federal website, www.healthcare.gov, has been set up to provide information on health insurance options in each state.

• Effective September 23, insurers cannot exclude children with preexisting conditions from coverage.

• Adult children may remain on their parents' policies until their 26th birthday, although many plans will institute this change only when their new policy year starts.

• All new policies must cover preventive services such as cancer screening, with no out-of-pocket costs.

• Insurers are barred from canceling coverage when a policyholder becomes ill.

• Insurers can no longer set lifetime limits on the amount of benefits paid; annual limits are restricted and will be phased out.

2011

• A voluntary national insurance program will be established to cover home health services for the elderly.

• Those hitting the "doughnut hole" will receive a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs.

• Medicare will offer free annual wellness visits and personalized prevention plans.

• Small businesses that establish wellness programs will be eligible for grants.

• Chain restaurants and vending machine companies must disclose the nutritional content of their products.

• Medicare will pay a 10 percent bonus to primary care physicians practicing in areas with doctor shortages.

2013

• The Medicare payroll tax rate will rise from 1.45 percent to 2.35 percent on earnings over $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples.

• The minimum threshold for claiming deductions for medical expenses will increase from 7.5 percent to 10 percent of adjusted gross income for those under 65.

• Contributions to a flexible spending account will be limited to $2,500 per year.

• The employer tax deduction for subsidizing Medicare Part D-eligible retirees will be eliminated.

2014

• U.S. citizens will be required to buy health insurance or pay a penalty of $95 per person in 2014, $325 in 2015, and $695 or up to 2.5 percent of income in 2016. After 2016, penalties will be indexed. The working poor may qualify for subsidies

• Companies with 50 or more employees generally must offer health insurance or pay a penalty of $2,000 per employee after the first 30.

• Insurers will not be allowed to refuse coverage because of preexisting conditions and cannot charge higher rates because of health status, race, or gender.

• Health insurance exchanges will be available in each state, allowing individuals and small firms to comparison shop for a standardized policy.

• Employers can offer rewards of 30 percent to 50 percent off the cost of coverage to employees who participate in wellness programs.

2018

• An excise tax will be imposed on employers who provide their workers costly "Cadillac" health plans, those with premiums beyond $27,500 annually for family coverage and $10,200 for individuals. Companies can choose to pay the tax, pass it on to employees, or lower the benefit.