I'm A Woman Insured through An Employer

What Does the New Health Care Law Mean for Me?

The new health care law that President Obama signed in March 2010 has many benefits for women, including women like you who have insurance through your own or a family member’s job. Here are some of the ways that the new law will help:

NOW: New Rules Will Protect You from Insurance Company Abuses

• Insurers won’t be able to drop your coverage when you get sick.
• Insurers will have to publicize rate increases and justify those deemed to be unreasonable.  States can recommend that insurers with a history of unjustified increases not be allowed to participate in the new Health Insurance Exchanges, which come into operation in 2014 (more information on the Exchanges below).
• Starting with the first plan renewal after Sept. 23, 2010, health plans won’t be able to limit what they spend on your health care over your lifetime and limits on annual spending can’t be lower than $750,000. In 2014, annual health plan spending limits will be prohibited altogether. 

      Children Will Have New Coverage Options and Protections

• Until age 26, adult children without access to job-based coverage will be able to enroll as a dependent on a parent’s health plan, beginning with the first plan renewal after Sept. 23, 2010 (although some insurance companies are putting this provision into effect early).
• Beginning with the first plan renewal after Sept. 23, 2010, insurers will be prohibited from denying children coverage because of their medical history or imposing a pre-existing condition exclusion. 

IN 2011: Insurers Will Be Required to Spend More of Your Premium Dollars on Medical Care

• The health care law limits the percentage of your premium dollars that insurance companies can spend on profits, overhead, or marketing—this means they’ll spend more on your health care.  You will receive a rebate if your health plan does not spend enough on actual health care.

BY 2012: You Can Enroll in a National Voluntary Long-Term Care Insurance Program

• The new health care law establishes a national voluntary long-term care insurance program (CLASS) to help people who become functionally disabled pay for the care they need to live independently in their community. As early as 2011, working adults (including part-time workers) can choose to have CLASS premiums deducted from their paychecks; after a 5-year vesting period, enrollees needing long-term care are eligible for a daily cash benefit of at least $50/day.
• The CLASS benefit can be used to purchase services and supports, such as home modifications and home care aides, or to defray the cost of nursing home care. The benefit can also be used to compensate a family caregiver.

BY 2014: You or Your Employer May Have New Coverage Options through New Insurance Exchanges

• In January 2014, new, easy-to-use Health Insurance Exchanges will start operating in every state. The Exchanges will allow you to comparison shop to find the best insurance plan to meet your needs.
• If you leave your job, the Exchanges will provide you with many new individual plan options. Plans can’t charge you more because you’re a women or because of your medical history.
• If you earn less than 400% of the federal poverty level (~$43,300/year for an individual) and you no longer have access to affordable job-based coverage, you may be eligible for subsidies to help you with premiums and out-of-pocket expenses for plans purchased through the Exchanges.

For more information on how you and other women you know will benefit from the new health care law,
visit the National Women’s Law Center website: www.nwlc.org/reformmatters.