Health Care Reform in 2013

Today we continue our health care reform timeline. Here are changes to occur in 2013.

Tax changes:

Increases threshold for claiming the itemized deduction for medical expenses from 7.5% to 10%, except for those over age 65.

Increase the hospital insurance tax rate for wages over $200,00 by 0.9% for individuals; $250,000 for married couple filing jointly. Imposes a 3.8% tax on unearned income at the same $200,000/ $250,000 threshold.

Limit compensation of executives of insurance providers.

Impose an excise tax of 2.3% on the sale of any taxable medical device.

Medicare :

Start phasing in subsidies for brand-name prescriptions filled in the Medicare coverage gap to 25% in addition to a 50% manufacturer brand-name discount.

Establish national pilot programs to develop and evaluate bundled payment for coordinated care of acute illnesses, chronically ill patients hospital services, outpatient services, physician services and post-acute care for the duration of an illness.

Medicaid:

Start two-year phase-in of increased payments to physicians to equal that of Medicare fees.