Effects of the Healthcare Reform in Idaho

Without the implementation of health insurance reforms, including the Healthcare Reform in Idaho, by the year 2019 the rate of uninsured people would have increased by at least 10 percent in every state. In 45 states uncompensated care would have doubled. Many families and businesses would lose their health insurance coverage as affordability would be decreased.

With the new Idaho Health Insurance Reform law in effect, coverage would expand to significantly more residents. The numerous benefits will include a reduction of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, as well as the security of knowing that should you lose your job affordable insurance is still available and easy to access.

Under the Healthcare Reform in Idaho:

• Insurance for residents that currently do not posses medical insurance will be available at an affordable cost.
• Non-group medical insurance holders could receive much more affordable coverage through the health insurance exchange.
• A tax credit will help to reduce premiums for those that qualify.
• Seniors would receive preventive services at no cost.
• Seniors would have their brand name drugs reduced to half the cost.
• Small businesses would be offered a tax credit making premiums more affordable.

Implementations of suggested 2010 and 2011 Idaho Health Insurance Reform proposals will produce real benefits for families, seniors, small businesses and the state.

Families will benefit through the protection that insurance companies will no longer utilize annual limits, be able to impose a lifetime limit on their coverage, and that they will not be able to arbitrarily drop insurance coverage. For those that are unable to get health insurance coverage as a result of an illness or condition, health insurance coverage will be available. Preventive services will also be available to families which may save families up to $1,200 in premiums.

Seniors will enjoy lower premiums offered through the reduction of Medicare's overpayments to private plans. In traditional Medicare a typical couple will pay nearly $90 in addition to their Medicare premiums. Brand name drugs will be reduced to half the cost. Preventive services will be provided at no cost.

Under the Healthcare Reform in Idaho, small businesses will be offered health coverage benefits through a small businesses tax credit proposal which will help to make the premiums more affordable. Idaho will experience savings on health care through a reduction in state employee premiums. A plan for reduction in uncompensated care will also be put in place.

Security, choice and stability will be provided through Idaho Health Insurance Reform. There will no longer be a "hidden tax". The reform will provide premium tax credits. The reform will also promote health insurance choice and portability, and support both long-term community and home based services.

The Healthcare Reform in Idaho will improve quality and an improvement to the delivery system by:

• Reducing preventable readmissions
• Lessening paperwork
• Providing Incentives to primary care providers
• Investing in the health primary care system