Addressing the Uninsured, Underinsured and Uninsurable

Yesterday, we celebrated Independence Day...today I discuss independence from the restrictions of private insurance that keep so many of us uninsured, underinsured and uninsurable.

Reform mandates for 2010:
Young Adults on Parents' Health Plans - Young adults can remain on parents' health plans to age 26. All health plans required to participate and includes married young adults.
Prohibition on Pre-existing Condition Exclusions for Children - no exclusions, period.
Prohibition Against Rescissions - Group health plans or insurance companies providing group (i.e. employee coverage) or individual coverage are prohibited from rescinding coverage once an enrollee is covered under a plan unless enrollee misrepresented health status when enrolling.
Prohibitions Against Lifetime Benefit Caps - Insurance companies providing group or individual market coverage are prohibited from setting lifetime limits on the dollar value of benefits. Annual limits will be banned completely in 2014.
Small Business Tax Credits - 2010: small businesses are eligible for new tax credits to offset their premium costs. Credits will be available for up to a 2 year period for businesses with less than 25 employees and with average wages under $50k.
National High Risk Pool - Those with preexisting conditions will be eligible for subsidized coverage through a temporary national high-risk pool until state programs can be reformed.
State Option to Expand Medicaid Eligibility - States are given option to cover parents and childless adults up to 133% of poverty. In March, Colorado expanded its program to include parents and childless adults at 100% of poverty. 2014 will expand to include all at 133%.
Annual Review of Premium Increases - just what it says...and a significant step in the right direction.