HEALTH REFORM AND SENIORS
Under the previous status quo, seniors faced a Medicare system in jeopardy, which left many with a gap in coverage that required them to pay the full cost of prescriptions or go without necessary medicine.
HOW HEALTH REFORM HELPS SENIORS:
2010 - This year, health reform begins to close the Medicare 'donut hole' by providing a $250 rebate for seniors who fall in the prescription drug
coverage gap. This coverage gap had reduced seniors' use of drugs
prescribed by their doctor by an average of 14%.
2010 - Health reform helps early retirees by creating a temporary re-insurance program to help offset the expensive costs of premiums for t
those aged 55 to 64.
2011 - In 2011, seniors will have access to free preventive care under Medicare, such as annual check-ups, mammograms, and colonoscopies.
2011 - In 2011, seniors will receive a 50% discount on prescription drugs in the Medicare 'donut hole.'
By 2020 - Health reform closes the Medicare 'donut hole' prescription coverage gap completely, ensuring that seniors can afford the medicine they need.
Long Term - Health reform extends the solvency of the Medicare Trust Fund by to ensure it can cover the costs of every American. Without reform, the Fund was projected to run out in seven years, which could have resulted to cuts to services for seniors.
After decades of struggle and a year of debate, health care reform is now law in
TO LEARN MORE, PLEASE VISIT HEALTHCARE.BARACKOBAMA.COM
WHAT HEALTH REFORM MEANS FOR ALL OF US
5.6 million people with pre-existing conditions will no longer be denied insurance
Starting this year, children will no longer be denied insurance due to pre-existing conditions, and adults with pre-existing conditions will have access to a temporary high-risk insurance pool. Starting in 2014, discrimination against pre-existing conditions will be banned completely.
Tax credits for up to 29 million individuals to help pay for health insurance
Starting in 2014, middle-class families and individuals who don't have insurance through work can get tax credits to help them buy affordable coverage on the new health insurance exchanges.
Tax cuts for up to 3.5 million small businesses to help pay for employee coverage
Employers who choose to offer employees health insurance can receive tax cuts of up to 35% of premiums this year, and up to 50% in 2014. More than 60% of small employers will be eligible for these tax cuts.
500,000 families saved from bankruptcy in just one year
In 2007, 62% of all bankruptcies filed in the
48 million uninsured Americans will have new, affordable insurance options
Through the new health insurance exchanges or through employers, Americans will be able to purchase affordable health coverage at lower rates, and many will be eligible for tax credits to help lower costs.
After decades of struggle and a year of debate, health care reform is now law in
TO LEARN MORE, PLEASE VISIT HEALTHCARE.BARACKOBAMA.COM
HEALTH REFORM & CHILDREN
Previously, insurers were able to deny kids coverage or drop them when they got sick, and many plans did not provide coverage for needed children's health services. Twelve percent of children have not had a doctor's visit in the past year.
HOW HEALTH REFORM HELPS CHILDREN:
2010 - Starting this year, health insurers are banned from discriminating against children with pre-existing conditions.
2010 - Health reform expands the health care workforce to ensure kids have access to providers near them. Starting this year, insurers are required to give parents enrolled in new plans the ability to select their child's pediatrician from among any participating provider.
2014 - All new health plans will be required to cover not only basic pediatric services, but also oral and vision care for kids starting in 2014. Seventeen million low-income children currently lack access to dental care, which means that simple problems often progress into major dental
complications.
Long Term - Health reform extends federal funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program through 2015, increases funding for states, and increases outreach to help reach and enroll more eligible children in the program.
After decades of struggle and a year of debate, health care reform is now law in
TO LEARN MORE, PLEASE VISIT HEALTHCARE.BARACKOBAMA.COM