Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law on March 23, 2010

http://www.healthcare.gov/

Dear Ms. Schwartz:

Because you had written to me some time ago regarding health care reform, I wanted to let you know about some of the new benefits of this important legislation.

As you probably know, President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law on March 23, 2010.

Many of the benefits of this legislation will roll out this year, and some have already begun. In June, seniors who fell into the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap, known as the “donut hole,” began receiving a $250 rebate. CMS will continue mailing rebate checks all year long as more people enter the donut hole.

Beginning in September, insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. Young adults can stay on their parents’ plan until the age of 26. Insurance companies will be prohibited from dropping your coverage when you get sick. And all new plans must cover certain preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies at little or no cost.

This year, small businesses are eligible for tax credits to help them afford health insurance for their employees, and adults who have a pre-existing health condition and cannot get health insurance will be able to access affordable insurance through a high-risk pool.

Many Californians have contacted me to learn how this new health care legislation will affect their own insurance coverage. To explore your insurance options and learn about what this legislation means for you, you can visit http://www.healthcare.gov/.

Again, thank you for writing to me. Please feel free to contact me again about this or other issues of concern to you.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator