September 23, 2010 - A major milestone in health reform implementation

September 23, 2010 - A major milestone in health reform implementation
Today marks one of the major milestones in health reform implementation. September 23 is the day that most of the 2010 health reform mandates become effective for employer groups. Mandates that go into effect today include:
Removal of pre-existing condition exclusion for enrollees under age 19
Coverage for dependents up to age 26 (Blue Shield implemented on June 1, 2010)
Preventive care with no member cost-sharing
Regulation on lifetime dollar limits
Regulation on annual coverage limits
Nondiscrimination rules for group coverage
Patient protections
Updated rescission rules
Updated member appeals process