December, 2009

posted Jan 28, 2010, 2:36 PM by Jason Gaudette   [ updated Mar 26, 2010, 1:23 PM by Frank Baskin ]




 
December 24, 2009
 

The Senate this AM passed its version of a universal health care bill.
 
Start Date - 2014 except for some protections which start sooner. -    click here for more

Payment - Taxes on higher cost(Cadillac)health care plans;fees on medical device makers
and indoor tanning;higher medicare payroll taxes on high income people.

Aid/subsidizes for low and middle income people.

Pre-existing conditions(and other insurance company exclusions)eliminated.

Medicaid - Expanded.

Children covered up to age 25.

Public option - Not included but the Federal Office of Personnel Management
will coordinate nation-wide plans which must include at least
 one non-profit. People will choose among plans.

***
An amended proposal is expected to be placed on the floor of the Senate for a vote by Dec 24,
What we know presently is the following:
  •  Most Americans will be required to have health insurance.
  • There will not be a government option.
  • There will be insurance exchanges where consumers may choose among insurance plans.
  • Some plans will be national non-profits.
  • A federal government agency will oversee the exchanges.
  • Earlier limits on the insurance companies(ex.- eliminating the presence of a pre-existing
  • condition as a reason to deny insurance) will remain.
  • There will be subsidies for middle income families who have income ofup to $ 88,000.
  • The tax on plastic surgery was taken out. It is unclear what other was substituted. The tax on high value or luxury plans remains.
 
We'll add more as we receive additional
information.
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