888-765-5400A Time Line of Health Care Reform Laws
Beginning in July 2010 – Consumers with health problems who have been uninsured for 6 months may be eligible to 
obtain coverage through a new high risk pool program. And a temporary reinsurance program will help employers who provide coverage to their retirees in maintaining this coverage.
Beginning in plan years on or after September 23, 2010 – Pre-existing condition exclusions are prohibited for children under 19, dependents up to age 26 will be able to obtain coverage through parents’ health plans, routine preventive care will be covered without cost-sharing, limits on lifetime coverage will be eliminated along with other changes.
Beginning in 2014, the new law requires that all individuals have coverage and insurers must offer coverage to anyone regardless of health status and cannot vary premiums based on health status.
In 2014 – Individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase coverage through state-based exchanges. Consumers will be able to purchase health insurance regardless of health status and premiums cannot vary because of health status. Individuals will be required to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. Subsidies will be available on a sliding scale to help individuals or families with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level to purchase insurance through new state-based exchanges.
The new law will be implemented over the next several years. Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies will continue to provide excellent service and will work to implement the new healthcare laws to best serve their members.
The 39 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are reviewing the legislation and any potential impact on our members. We will also be working to ensure a smooth transition with state and federal regulators who will be drafting the required regulations.
The above information is from a post by BCBSNC in 2010 and located at bcbsnc.com.
For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.