Health Reform Timeline 2011

If it feels like changes aren't happening in health care yet just check out our posts from last week about what changes are being made in 2010. In the year 2011 the following changes should occur.

Medicare:

1. Require 50% discount on brand-name prescriptions (Rxs) and begin phasing-in federal subsidies for generic Rxs.
2. Initiate bonus payments to health care providers in under-served areas.
3. Prohibit insurance plans from raising co-pays.
4. Reward most efficient facilities.
5. Freeze income threshold for Medicare Part Premiums through 2019 at 2010 levels.
6. Reduce Medicare Part D premium subsidy for individuals at $85,000, couple/$170,000.
7. Create an Innovation Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to increase efficiency and produce better results.
8. Establish program to provide transition services to high-risk beneficiaries.
   

Medicaid:

1. Penalize states for poor results because of health care acquired conditions.
2. Establish community-based attendant support services for certain people with disabilities.
3. Encourage home based long-term care services.
4. Encourage chronically ill beneficiaries to designate a health care "home" to coordinate all care.

Do you think some of these changes will effect you or your loved ones?