“Today is great day for Central Coast residents and all Americans,” said Congresswoman Lois Capps on her way to the Health Reform Bill signing ceremony. “With this bill signing ceremony, we set in motion the extension of health care coverage for 32 million more Americans and real health security for those already with insurance. Although it will take some time to phase in all aspects of the legislation, many key benefits take place immediately and over the next several months.”
“For example, effective immediately small businesses that offer health care coverage will be eligible for a 35% tax credit to offset the cost of covering their employees. Also effective immediately, Medicare recipients falling into the “donut hole” will get a $250 rebate this year. Beginning next year, they will get brand name drugs at 50% off.”
“Taking effect over the next 3-6 months are the establishment of temporary high risk pools for those uninsured due to a preexisting condition and requirements to allow young adults up to age 26 to stay on their parents’ plans. Insurance companies will also be prohibited from turning down children with preexisting conditions, dropping anyone from coverage because of an illness, and instituting annual coverage and lifetime limits. Finally, beginning in 2011, preventive services under Medicare will no longer have co-pays or be subject to deductibles, and new rules to force insurance companies to spend increasing amounts of policyholder premiums on medical bills instead of huge CEO salaries will take effect.”
“These positive new changes will improve health care for all Americans. I was very proud to vote for this bill and look forward to the rollout of its many provisions.” – Congresswoman Lois Capps
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