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
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The Medicare members who reached the "donut hole" got a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs.
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Primary care doctors and general surgeons practicing in undeserved areas received a 10 percent Medicare bonus.
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The new voluntary long term care insurance program (CLASS) was suppose to become effective, but was not implemented.
Insurance Reforms in 2011
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The new uniform coverage documents and standard definition rules (effective 2012) were proposed.
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The Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) rules took effect:
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The minimum MLR for the Small Group or Individual market became 80%
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The minimum MLR for the Large Group market became 85%
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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.
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Medicare Advantage cost-sharing limits took effect.
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Medicare Advantage plans began restructuring of payments and freeze 2011 payments at 2010 levels.
Other Insurance-Related Reforms in 2011
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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.
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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.
