What Health Care Reform Means to You
| On July 14, 2009, H.R. 3200, |
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known as America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, was introduced in the House of Representatives. The bill is sponsored by Rep. John Dingell, a Democrat from Michigan.OverviewThe Act suggests new rules regarding health insurance plans and the companies that issue the plans. Some of the most important parts of the Act are:
- Prohibiting pre-existing condition exclusions; If you have a pre-existing condition or illness, you won't be prevented from acquiring health insurance
Guaranteed coverage for all individuals and employers- Prohibiting premium variances; Except for age, area, or family enrollment
- Prohibiting recession (i.e. cancellation) of health care coverage without evidence of fraud
- Limiting out-of-pocket expenses (the maximum amount that could be paid by the insured) to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for families.
- Providing cost-saving measures for low-income individuals and families, including expanding Medicaid eligibility
- Reducing the coverage gap for Medicare Part D, the Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program
- Requiring the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop quality measures for health care services
- Establishing new government agencies to provide oversight and support for these new health regulations
The new government agencies proposed by the Act are: - Health Choices Administration
An independent agency of the executive branch, which establishes qualified health benefits plan standards. Within the Health Choices Administration is the Health Insurance Exchange. - Health Insurance Exchange
Within the Health Choices Administration, provides individuals and employers access to health insurance coverage choices, including a public health insurance option.
This is only a broad overview. There are other important parts of the Act that may affect you. Please review this summary of the Act, created by the Congressional Research Service, a nonpartisan arm of the Library of Congress.
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This site is constantly being updated with new information about the America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009. Please come back often to see the latest information.
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