Protest Congress' Efforts to Slash Cancer Funds

Sorry,I posted the wrong link to go to to protest slashing cancer funding. Here's the acual link ...

http://www.facebook.com/l/ff783fKV_K14TjQZV16PsHViulA/livestrongblog.org/2011/02/17/h-r-1-cuts-funding-for-cancer/

For a link that tells in in black and white what's in the health reform act as well as a basic timeframe of what's in the bill ...

2010 Medicare recipients will receive a $250 rebate for prescription drugs.

2010 New coverage to individuals who have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition. This program serves as a bridge to 2014, when all discrimination against pre-existing conditions will be prohibited.

2010 Young adults can stay on their parent's plan until they turn 26 years old.

2010 All new plans must cover preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without charging a deductible, co-pay or coinsurance.

2010 Insurance companies can no longer deny coverage for an error, or other technical mistake, on a customer's application.

2010 Consumers have greater means to appeal coverage determinations and can count on an external review process.

 2010 Insurance companies are now prohibited from imposing lifetime dollar limits on essential benefits, like hospital stays.

 2010 Insurance companies' use of annual dollar limits on coverage will be restricted for new plans. In 2014, the use of annual dollar limits on essential benefits like hospital stays will be banned altogether, period, for new plans.

 2010 Illegal to deny coverage to children under the age of 19 due to a pre-existing condition.

 2010 Assistance programs to help consumers navigate the private health insurance system. These programs help consumers file complaints and appeals; enroll in health coverage; and get educated about their rights and responsibilities.

 January 2011 Seniors who reach their prescription coverage gap receive a 50% discount for Medicare Part D covered brand-name prescription drugs. Over the next ten years, seniors will receive additional savings, until the Medicare coverage gap is closed in 2020.

 January 2011 Certain free preventive services for Medicare recipients, such as annual wellness visits and personalized prevention plans.

 January 2011 Rebates to consumers if insurance companies do not spend at least 85% of all premium dollars (collected from large employers) on health care services and quality improvement.  80% investment required for plans sold to individuals and small employers.

 October 2011 Home- and community based services available to  disabled individuals through Medicaid rather than institutional care in nursing homes. 

 No later than October 2012 Voluntary long-term care insurance program - called CLASS - to provide cash benefits to adults who become disabled. 

 January 2013 States required to pay primary care physicians 100% of Medicare payment rates for primary care services.

 January 2014 If your employer doesn't offer insurance, you will be able to buy insurance directly in an Exchange, receiving discounts and a choice of health plans.

 January 2014 Workers meeting certain requirements who cannot afford the coverage provided by their employer may take funds their employer contributed to their insurance to purchase a more affordable plan.

January 2014 Americans who earn less than 133% of the poverty level (approximately $14,000 for an individual and $29,000 for a family of four) will be eligible for Medicaid.

 January 2014 Tax credits for those with income between 100% and 400% of the poverty line who are not eligible for other affordable coverage. (400% of the poverty line is about $43,000 for an individual or $88,000 for a family of four.) The tax credit is advanceable, so you lower your premiums each month.

 January 2014 Insurers will be prohibited from dropping or limiting coverage because an individual chooses to participate in a clinical trial.

 January 2014 The law prohibits imposing annual dollar limits on coverage an individual may receive. 

 January 2014 Strong reforms that prohibit insurance companies from refusing to sell coverage or renew policies because of a pre-existing condition. Also prohibits insurers from charging higher rates due to gender or health status. 

For links to more information on any of these provisions: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/timeline/index.html

 To find your legislator to voice questions or concerns: http://action.acscan.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FindARep

For more on Affordable Care Act benefits to cancer patients:

http://www.acscan.org/healthcare