Over the next two weeks, we will be reviewing the Health Care Reform Timeline (from 2010-2020) in detail. Yesterday, we started with 2010. Today, we continue with 2011.
Health Care Reform Timeline - 2011
New Programs in 2011
The Medicare members who reached the "donut hole" got a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs.
Primary care doctors and general surgeons practicing in undeserved areas received a 10 percent Medicare bonus.
The new voluntary long term care insurance program (CLASS) was suppose to become effective, but was not implemented.
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Insurance Reforms in 2011
The new uniform coverage documents and standard definition rules (effective 2012) were proposed.
The Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rules took effect:
The minimum MLR for the Small Group or Individual market became 80%
The minimum MLR for the Large Group market became 85%
The rate review rule requiring insurers of individual/small group plans to provide detailed information for any proposed increase equal to or greater than 10 percent, along with the reason for the proposed increase took effect.
Medicare Advantage cost-sharing limits took effect.
Medicare Advantage plans began restructuring of payments and freeze 2011 payments at 2010 levels.
Other Insurance-Related Reforms in 2011
The new rule excluding costs for over-the-counter drugs not prescribed by a doctor from being reimbursed through an HSA, FSA, or HRA took effect.
The new rule requiring employers to report the value of health care benefits on employee W2 tax statements took effect and was optional for 2011.
