Without healthcare reform, it is estimated that this number will rise dramatically over the next several years.
to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare for uninsured individuals and their families. Through
the new law, which will be implemented in phases over the next several years, health insurance will be
extended to approximately 32 million Americans.
In September 2010, several provisions of the law went into effect and may impact you and your family. These include:
- Providing access to insurance for individuals with pre-existing conditions
- Extending coverage for young adults – up to age 26 – on their parents’ plans
- Providing free preventative care, such as immunizations and mammograms
- Ending lifetime and most annual limits to care
On June 16, 2011, the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council announced the release of the
National Prevention Strategy, a comprehensive plan intended to help increase the number of Americans who are healthy
at every stage of life. The National Prevention Strategy provides an unprecedented opportunity to shift the nation
from a focus on sickness and disease to one based on wellness and prevention. It presents vision, goals, recommendations
and action items that public, private, nonprofit organizations and individuals can take to reduce preventable death,
disease and disability in the United States.
For more information on the National Prevention Strategy, visit
healthcare.gov.
On July 1, 2011, the premiums for the three Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) options were lowered
significantly in several states. For those already enrolled in a PCIP plan in those states, the rate was
reduced automatically. PCIP plans help individuals who have previously been denied insurance because of a
pre-existing condition.
NOTE: Enrollment in the federal and state-based PCIPs has closed, effective February 16 and March 2 respectively. PCIP will continue providing coverage to more than 100,000 people currently enrolled nationwide.
To learn more about PCIP plans, visit
www.pcip.gov.
The remaining provisions will roll out gradually through 2014.
For more information about the Affordable Care Act, visit www.healthcare.gov.
