A recent story in the Charlotte Observer reports on seven little-known changes that are part of the health care overhaul and will go into effect in the next few months.
- Co-payments or deductibles will be eliminated for certain preventive services. Effective September 23. Applies to plan years that begin after September 23. The White House to announce which services will be included.
- A nonprofit research institute will study various treatments to determine which methods are most effective.
- A new program to help employers with cost of health care for retirees aged 55 and over will be instituted. Applications being accepted now.
- Insurers will need to demonstrate to the government that premium increases are reasonable.
- The federal government will provide funding to help states expand Medicaid coverage to include everyone that earns less than 133% of the poverty line (2014).
- A new federal office is now helping to coordinate care for people that are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
- The Food and Drug Administration will be given the power to approve lower-cost versions of biologic drugs.
