The Brady Brief - New Health Care Benefits Available To You

Statement

Dear Friend,

When the historic health insurance reform bill was signed into law in March, it laid out a timeline of changes and additions to our health care system that will improve Americans' lives. Recently, certain measures of this law took effect, and I wanted to make sure you were aware of these new benefits.

The following explains specific measures that recently went into effect, but for more information about other provisions in the health insurance reform law, please visit my website.

* Relief for 4 million seniors who hit the Medicare prescription drug "donut hole"
-Seniors hitting the donut hole will receive a $250 rebate check
-The first checks were mailed in June and will continue monthly throughout 2010 as seniors hit the coverage gap

* Coverage expansion for early retirees
-Applications for employers to participate in the program became available on June 1, 2010
-Provides reimbursement for a portion of the cost of employer-based health benefits for early retirees and their spouses

* Access to insurance for uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions
-Starting July 1st, a pre-existing condition insurance plan provides new coverage options to individuals who have been uninsured for at least six months because of a pre-existing condition
-Serves as a bridge to 2014, when all discrimination against pre-existing conditions will be prohibited

* Launch of HealthCare.gov
-Effective July 1st, this easy-to-use website allows people to compare health insurance coverage options and pick the coverage that works for them

The health insurance reform bill will continue to positively impact Americans lives in the years to come, and as these changes go into effect, I will work to bring you the most up-to-date information. If you have any questions about health insurance reform or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Robert Brady
Member of Congress

Source