Immediate Benefits to Health Care Reform

According to President Obama, below are some of the immediate effects of the new health care bill:

Beginning this year, small businesses can receive tax credits to help cover the cost of employee health insurance, if they choose to do so. Eligible employers will receive credits worth up to 35% of employees' premiums.

This year, a high risk pool provides access to affordable coverage to individuals who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition.

This year, the law begins to close the Medicare Prescription Drug "Donut Hole" by providing a $250 rebate for seniors who fall in the coverage gap.

This year, the law helps early retirees by creating a temporary re-insurance program to help offset the expensive costs of premiums for those aged 55 to 64.

Next year, seniors will have access to free preventive care under Medicare, such as annual check-ups, mammograms and colonoscopies.

Next year, seniors will receive a 50% discount on proscription drugs in the Medicare "Donut Hole."

This year, health insureres are banned from discrimination against children with pre-existing conditions.

This year, insurers are required to give parents enrolled in new plans the ability to select their child's pediatrician from among any participating provider.

Steve