Health care reform brings about changes

By Roberta Rifkin, Vice President, Government Affairs, Independent Health

September 23 marks the six-month anniversary of the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, which began the important task of reforming health care in our country. 

At Independent Health, we believe this legislation is an important step to improving the quality and affordability of care to all Americans and we are working diligently to implement new provisions under the law. While many of the significant changes will not take place until 2014, there are a number of important provisions that will take effect on September 23:

Dependent coverage up to age 26

Coverage will apply to dependent children up to the age of 26. Dependents age 25 and younger will be allowed to enroll in their parents' coverage during the next open enrollment period.   

No denial of coverage for children

New plans issued after September 23 will no longer have any coverage exclusions for pre-existing conditions that children age 19 or younger might have.   

No lifetime dollar limits

Lifetime dollar limits will be removed. The lifetime dollar limit is the maximum amount of covered services that will be provided to an individual while he or she has coverage under your plan.

No annual dollar limits

Any annual dollar limits that apply to Essential Benefits will be removed. A list of services that are considered Essential Benefits will be available at our website, independenthealth.com, as of October 1.

$0 copayments for preventive services

PPACA eliminates copayments for preventive services. Independent Health has long recognized the importance of prevention and has included $0 co-pays for preventive services in most of its products for a number of years.   

Small Business Tax Credit

This tax credit, already in effect, can provide up to 35 percent of the premiums a small business pays to cover its workers. Tax credits are available for tax exempt organizations as well. It allows small businesses to receive the credit not only for regular health insurance, but also for add-on dental, vision and other limited-scope health insurance coverage.

For more information on the PPACA provisions and what they mean to your coverage, please visit www.independenthealth.com. You may also contact your Independent Health account manager or your health insurance broker. 

Learn more at HealthSolutions University

As business leaders and community members, we all have an important role to play to ensure that health reform leads to improved quality at lower costs. Washington gave us the legislation, but we, as a community, will determine the impact of reform. That's why Independent Health is bringing together the best minds in Western New York as part of HealthSolutions University. Through presentations and discussions, we will begin to establish a collaborative approach to making health care affordable for all.

HealthSolutions University, presented by Independent Health, will be held on Thursday, October 28 from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Embassy Suites Buffalo (located in The Avant Building), 200 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo.

Hear from national and local business leaders on what's currently being done to make our community healthier - physically and economically - and what you can do to help us achieve success. Every bit counts, from making healthier everyday choices to becoming more informed health care consumers.

The event will include presentations from Michael W. Cropp, M.D., President and CEO of Independent Health, and featured guest speaker Patricia Smith, President and CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP). A panel discussion will take place with local business leaders who actively demonstrate the various roles our community can play in transforming health care:

     • Justin Booth, Executive Director, Green Options Buffalo

     • Robert Gilmour, HR Director, John W. Danforth Company

     • David Pawlowski, M.D., Assistant Medical Director, Highgate Medical Group

Call (716) 635-3950 to reserve your place today. Seating is limited. You can also register online at HealthSolutionsUniversity.com or by e-mail at kcook@independenthealth.com.