President Obama Unveils Affordable Care Act Regulations

New provisions outline prohibitions and improvements

President Obama is moving forward with new rules governing his landmark health care law. The Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday it is putting in place provisions that would a) beginning in 2014, make it illegal for health insurance companies to charge more for insurance or refuse service to individuals because of a pre-existing or chronic condition; b) require states to have 10 'essential health benefits'—such as prescription drug coverage—and websites set up that would enable consumers to quickly compare prices and plans; and c) encourage employers to promote health and control health care costs by implementing and expanding employment-based wellness programs. "The Affordable Care Act is building a health insurance market that works for consumers," said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. (USA Today)

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]