Pocono News Section

Five Reforms in Year One of Health Care Law

Five Reforms in Year One of Health Care Law - Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 04:12AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday March 24 2010
WASHINGTON, D. C. - Some of the major health care reform law coverage changes will affect both young people and senior citizens in the first year. First, adult children would be eligible to stay on their parents' health insurance until age 27. Until now, states determined how old dependent children no longer must be covered by their parents' plans. In Pennsylvania, that meant until a child turned 19 or longer if enrolled in college. The new law means one of Pennsylvania's most underinsured groups would have coverage.

Also, children with pre-existing health conditions will not be denied coverage. Insurer pools will cover those with pre-existing health conditions until health care coverage exchanges are operational.

Thirdly, insurers will not be able to rescind policies to avoid paying medical bills when a person becomes ill.

Also, senior citizens will get a $250 rebate to help fill the so-called doughnut hole in medicare prescription drug coverage. That's the gap between the $2,700 initial limit and when catastrophic coverage kicks-in at $6,154.

Also, a 10% tax will be imposed on amounts paid for indoor tanning services on or after July 1st.

Keep in mind, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett has filed a lawsuit challenging the health care reform law because it mandates you have health insurance or pay fines. Corbett claims that's unconstitutional.