Key dates in the life of the law known as Obamacare:
March 23, 2010 – Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act becomes law
Jan. 1, 2010 – Small businesses become eligible for tax credits to help provide insurance for workers
July 1, 2010 – Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan provides temporary coverage for uninsured people previously denied coverage
Sept. 23, 2010
- Young adults up to age 26 allowed to stay on parents' insurance plan
- Health plans begin to offer free preventive care
- Insurers no longer permitted to set lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits
- Children can't be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition
Jan. 1, 2011
- Seniors receive 50 percent discount on drugs
- Free preventive care required care for seniors
- Insurers must spend a minimum of premium dollars on health care services. Depending on the kinds of plans they offer, the minimums range from 80 to 85 percent.
Oct. 1, 2012 – Financial incentives begin for hospitals that deliver quality care
Jan. 1, 2013 – Increased payments to primary care doctors treating Medicaid patients
Oct. 1, 2013 – Open enrollment begins for state health insurance exchanges
Jan. 1, 2014
- Insurance plans bought on the exchanges take effect
- Tax credits to help the middle class afford insurance become available for those with income between 100 and 400 percent of the poverty line who are not eligible for other affordable coverage
- Most Americans must buy insurance or pay a penalty, though some may be exempt
- Some states will expand the government's Medicaid program for the poor. Georgia has opted not to expand.
- New plans and existing group plans may no longer set annual dollar limits on coverage
- People with pre-existing conditions may not be denied coverage
- Insurance companies can't charge higher rates because of gender or health status
- Second phase of small business tax credit kicks in
Essential health benefits
Starting in 2014, insurance plans must cover services and items in 10 areas outlined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
- Ambulatory patient services
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and addiction services, including behavioral health treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Pediatric services, including oral and vision care
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