2010 Timeline with Messages

2010 Milestone

Date effective

Message

Value

Establishes a high-risk pool to provide immediate access to insurance for uninsured individuals with a pre-existing condition.

23-Jun-10

Finally, people who have been excluded from insurance because of pre-existing conditions can buy a plan they can afford. These are people who wanted to do the right thing and carry health insurance, but couldn't because insurance companies refused to cover them. Now they're able to pay their fair share for insurance - and have peace of mind knowing they'll be able to get the care they need without having to worry about going bankrupt.

Peace of mind/fairness/ individual responsibility

Small business tax credit for small employers who give health benefits to employees.

Calendar year 2010

Small business owners are getting tax credits this year to make healthcare coverage for their employees more affordable. Millions of small business owners can provide the coverage they've wanted to be able to give their employees, but haven't always been able to afford. They'll have more freedom to do what they do best - innovate, reinvest in their companies, and bring aboard new talented workers.

The American Dream/ small business as an icon and engine of growth

Elimination of pre-existing conditions exclusions for children.

23-Sep-10

We've taken a great step forward for children's health. From now on, insurance companies must cover any child with a pre-existing condition. More children now have regular medical attention and access to needed care. This is a critical foundation that puts us on track to raise the healthiest next generation of Americans.

Healthiest next generation

Rebates for prescription drugs for seniors on Medicare.

Calendar year 2010

Right away, there are rebates for seniors who fall in the prescription drug coverage gap in Medicare. This is just the first step in closing the prescription drug gap entirely.

Affordability for seniors

Prohibits recissions: bans abusive practices whereby insurance companies rescind policies when a person gets sick.

23-Sep-10

Insurance companies spent over five hundred million dollars opposing health care reform because they knew it would hold them accountable. The law does just that by banning them from dropping coverage for people who get sick.

Peace of mind/fairness/ accountability

Elimination of lifetime limits on coverage for all plans.

23-Sep-10

People who work hard and take responsibility for buying health insurance will always be able to count on that coverage to protect them during a major illness. This law holds insurance companies accountable, so that they deliver the coverage their subscribers have paid for.

Affordability/ peace of mind/ accountability

Covering preventive health services in all new group and individual plans. No more copays or deductibles.

23-Sep-10

Our new health care law rewards people who take responsibility for their health by covering preventive health services. No new insurance plans can charge anything - even a copay - for a yearly checkup. This is a great first step toward a healthier America, where we prevent illness, not just treat it.

Prevention/ affordability/ individual responsibility

Extended coverage for young adults on their parents' plan until age 26.

23-Sep-10

Young adults up to age 26 can remain on their parents' health insurance plans. More young people will now be able to take responsibility for their health care coverage by paying into the insurance pool. But even more importantly, our youth will now have regular medical attention and access to needed care. This is a critical foundation that puts us on track to raise the healthiest next generation of Americans.

Stability and security/ peace of mind/ healthiest next generation/ individual responsibility

Reduces the cost of covering early retirees by helping offset costs for companies that offer early retiree benefits.

23-Jun-10

Our new law gives Americans who have worked hard and paid their taxes, but are not yet old enough to qualify for Medicare, the peace of mind they deserve knowing that they can afford health insurance. Helping companies pay for early retiree health benefits strengthens our health care system.

Peace of mind/ building on what works