Health care reform benefits beginning next month

On Sept. 23rd, several changes will take place in regards with the health care bill passed in March. A few other changes have already been implemented from the bill and more will happen in 2011 and 2014. Here are the ones that will be happening in a few weeks:

• Insurance companies will not be allowed to deny children coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Adults with pre-existing conditions are currently covered under a temporary high risk pool set up in each state. Missouri's pool is the Missouri Health Insurance Program, and is meant to provide affordable insurance choices to those who need it.

• Parents are allowed to keep their children on their insurance plan until their 26th birthday (Huffington Post says 27, but that is incorrect). Young adults don't have to be a dependent or live with their parents, and could be married. All young adults under 26 years of age will be covered.

• Rescission will be illegal. Rescission is the canceling of the health policy when the person gets sick. Cancellation will only be allowed if the person commits fraud and lies to the insurance company about being sick.

• Consumers in new plans will have the option of an independent appeals process for coverage determinations and claims

• A temporary program is established for early retirees (those aged 55-64) to provide health benefits and to help offset that cost for employers

• Lifetime benefit caps on the amount of coverage will be banned, and all new plans will be restricted in using annual limits

• New group health plans will not be allowed to discriminate in favor of higher wage workers and cannot charge co-pays and deductibles for preventative care (such as a check-up)

Because of these changes, 559,000 young Missourians will be able to keep their parents coverage. More than 90,000 Missourians with pre-existing conditions will be able gain affordable coverage and almost 80,000 small businesses will receive tax credits to offset premiums. These small businesses employ over 300,000 workers, helping them get affordable coverage as well.

To get involved with health care reform in Missouri, check out Missouri Health Care for All or Cover Missouri, two organizations working to get all of Missouri covered with affordable health insurance.

I intend to write more about health and the health care bill and what these changes mean for different demographics. To stay informed, subscribe to Allison Midori Reilly by clicking the "Subscribe" button above.