Well the much antiscipated day of Obama care and coverage for everyone…or so most people seem to think, came and went today.  Just in case you missed the festive event, here is what you got mandated effective for plans that go into effect after today, other wise it is see you in 2011 or maybe 2012 or 2013 or 2014 for the balance of the benefits promised to you.

I do not mean to sound terse in my writing it is just that I want to get the word out, it ain’t fixed yet, we need health care fixed, yes we do, but according to a recent poll and 50% or better of the population is under the impression that this new bill fixes thing now, well not exactly.

I will keep you updated as more things are implemented and changes occur.  Please call or email me/us anytime to find out the latest in greatest for health insurance, medicare or other insurance questions.  So here’s what you get today:

• Covering dependent children to age 26
  All plans must cover dependent children up to the age of 26. This is regardless of the dependent’s marital status, financial dependence, student status, or employment status. Grandfathered plans do not have to cover dependents who are eligible for employer coverage other than through their parents. Read More
• 100 percent coverage of preventive care services
  All plans (except grandfathered plans) will provide coverage with no member cost sharing for recommended preventive care services, when provided in network.   This based on  the preliminary final guidance (that is a positively exact term by the government isn’t it? Their words, not mine) released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in July 2010.
• Annual and lifetime limits
  Removed lifetime and annual dollar limits for essential benefits with the exception of Limited Benefit Plans: There is an exception for limited benefit plans.  HHS has agreed to waive the restricted annual benefit limits for qualified limited benefit plans until other affordable options become available in 2014.

• Pre-existing conditions – make sure you are clear on this!  Removing of the ability for plans (except grandfathered plans) to limit or exclude benefits or coverage based on pre-existing conditions ONLY APPLIES TO for enrollees under the age of 19.
• Choice of health care professionals
  The law says health plans must allow members to choose any participating primary care provider. Plans must allow women to access ob/gyns without a referral or preauthorization, and allow pediatricians to be named as a child’s primary care provider.

This is meant as a summary for you of the changes for today.  Read the full info on the bill at This link to the government site

Another reminder of how well intended legislation is not the best answer if done in haste.  If you have a HSA’s (Health Savings Accounts), FSA’s (Flexible Spending Accounts) or a HRA’s (Health Reimbursement Arrangements), you have been figurative shot in the foot under the new health care bill!

Yes that right, the deal you had to save and use pre-tax dollars for your medicines is gone in most cases, thanks government!  The cost of over-the-counter drugs or medicine can no longer be reimbursed under these plans unless a prescription is obtained, with a few exceptions.

For example, the following items are still eligible 213(d) expenses:

• Insulin (even if purchased without a prescription)
• Medical devices
• Eye glasses
• Contact lenses
• Co-pays
• Deductibles

The new standard will only apply to purchases made on or after January 1, 2011. Medicines and drugs purchased over-the-counter prior to the effective date are still eligible to be reimbursed in the 2011 plan year.  What a difference a year makes see post from October 2009

Link to government site