Fact Sheet: What the New Health Care Law Means for Family Caregivers

Makes it easier to get health insurance

• If you or the person you care for has been uninsured for at least six months and has a pre-existing condition, you may qualify for the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). This temporary health insurance plan is a first step toward helping people with pre-existing health conditions get the insurance coverage they need. Applications for the program began on July 1, 2010, and will continue through January 1, 2014, at which time insurers will no longer be able to deny policies to people with pre-existing conditions. Apply for PCIP at www.healthcare.gov.

• The new law creates health insurance exchanges for people who don't have coverage through their job. Exchanges will provide "one-stop shopping" so it will be easier for you to compare plans and prices for yourself and the person you care for. Anyone who is eligible for insurance through an exchange but does not purchase it will be subject to a penalty. Health insurance exchanges will start offering insurance in 2014.

• All plans offered through the health insurance exchanges must include medical and mental health care benefits as well as coverage for prescription drugs and rehabilitation services. You will be able to pick among several levels of coverage to fit your needs or the needs of the person you care for.

Helps make health coverage more affordable

• If you have a new health insurance plan, you will not have to pay some of the costs for preventive care, such as mammograms, immunizations, and screenings for diabetes and many cancers.

• In 2014, the Medicaid insurance program for people with low incomes will expand to include more children and parents, as well as childless adults who do not have Medicare. The current qualifying income levels for Medicaid are below $14,400 for individuals and $20,000 for a couple.

• Starting 2014, tax credits may help you pay for health insurance purchased through a health insurance exchange. You will qualify if you earn less than $58,280 for a couple or $43,320 as an individual.

Improves insurance practices

• Iinsurance companies can no longer drop your health coverage if you become sick. Your health insurance is guaranteed so long as you pay your premiums.

• Insurance companies can no longer place lifetime or restrictive annual limits on your health coverage. This change will ensure that your benefits won't run out when you need them the most. The ban on lifetime limits began in 2010; the prohibition against annual limits takes effect in 2014.

• Starting in 2014, you or the person you care for cannot be denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition.

Expands access to long-term care services and information

• You can now get more information about nursing home inspections, complaints against facilities, and resident rights. This information will help you make decisions if you need to select a nursing home for the person you care for.

• Under the Community First Choice Option, states choosing to participate will receive more federal dollars to provide certain home- and community-based services to people with disabilities who live at home but need long-term services and supports.