2010

All new plans must cover certain preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance.
Up to 4 million small businesses are eligible for tax credits to help them provide insurance benefits to their workers.
States will be able to receive federal matching funds for covering some additional low-income individuals and families under Medicaid for whom federal funds were not previously available.
A new $15 billion Prevention and Public Health Fund will invest in proven prevention and public health programs that can help keep Americans healthy—from smoking cessation to combating obesity.
Efforts are made to crack down on health care fraud.
Expanding coverage for early retirees—the new law creates a $5 billion program to provide needed financial help for employment-based plans to continue to provide valuable coverage to people who retire between the ages of 55 and 65, as well as their spouses and dependents.
A Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan provides new coverage options to individuals who have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition.
The law provides a website, HealthCare.gov, where consumers can compare health insurance coverage options and pick the coverage that works for them.
Young adults are allowed to stay on their parent's plan until they turn 26.
Insurance companies cannot rescind coverage.
The law provides consumers with a way to appeal coverage determinations or claims to their insurance company, and establishes an external review process.
Insurance companies are prohibited from imposing lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits, like hospital stays.
Insurance companies' use of annual dollar limits on the amount of insurance coverage a patient may receive is restricted for new plans in the individual market and all group plans.
The new law includes new rules to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage to children under the age of 19 due to a pre-existing condition.
Insurance companies are accountable for unreasonable rate hikes.
New incentives are made to expand the number of primary care doctors, nurses and physician assistants, including funding for scholarships and loan repayments for primary care doctors and nurses working in underserved areas.
Consumer assistance programs in the state are established.
More funding for community health centers.
Payments for rural health care providers.

What else happened:

Instant Insights /

Health reform: An overview

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You