Archive for March, 2010

Healthcare Reform Implementation Timeline: The Details

March 25, 2010 in reform | Comments (0)

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If you want the nitty gritty on when different elements in HR 3590 and HR 4872 go into effect, Kaiser Family Foundation has the answers for you. KFF has put together a detailed implementation timeline for healthcare reform from 2010 until 2018.

From insurance reforms to Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drugs, tax changes, CLASS Act for long-term care, and individual and employer requirements, you can find it all in the timeline. Get it here.


Senate Passes Healthcare Reform Bill Fixes

in Politics | Comments (0)

The Senate passed the package of healthcare reform bill fixes by a 56-43 vote. Three Democrats, Ben Nelson, Blanche Lincoln, and Mark Pryor, joined Republicans in voting against the bill. It now goes to the House for a final vote later today.


What Does Healthcare Reform Mean for Your Coverage Options?

March 23, 2010 in Healthcare | Comments (0)

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If you’re wondering how the new healthcare legislation affects the health insurance coverage available to you, California Healthcare Foundation may have the answer. CHCF has created some hypothetical scenarios for individuals in various life situations, and listed the options available now and in 2014.

Are you 22 and scraping together a living with part-time jobs? Maybe you’re a low-income 37 year old who’s not eligible for Medicaid and doesn’t know what to do. Or you’re a married 45 year old with children who can’t afford your employer’s coverage. Are you 50 or 60 years old with a pre-existing condition and thinking about starting your own business, or unable to afford high-risk pool premiums?

If any of those situations strike a chord, check out CHCF’s guide to coverage now and in the future. They’ve done the digging into the thousands of pages of legislation, so you don’t have to.


Healthcare Reform Bill Passes – What Now?

March 22, 2010 in Politics | Comments (0)

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Late on Sunday night (later than I wanted to stay up, anyway) the House passed both the Senate healthcare reform legislation and the House bundle of fixes. The entire package is on its way to Obama’s desk for signature. So what now? Brace yourself …

Read more…


Arizona First State to Ax Children’s Healthcare Coverage

March 21, 2010 in Politics | Comments (0)

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Healthcare reform came too late for 47,000 children of low-income parents in Arizona. Last week, Arizona became the first state to completely cut S-CHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Program) from its budget. It was one of three states to cap S-CHIP enrollment last year, but the other two states, California and Tennessee, removed their caps quickly. Arizona – well, not so much.

For low-income Arizona residents, recent legislative ax-wielding has resulted in 357,000 losing all healthcare coverage. Between S-CHIP and Medicaid slash-and-burns, Arizona may soon claim the title of unhealthiest state. What’s more, state leadership is willing to forgo current matching federal funds for these programs AND skip future federal matches under potential healthcare reform. Looks like it’s time to get the legislature some reading glasses — it has become so short-sighted, it’s now legally blind.