National Health Reform: What it means for NH Consumers & Small Businesses Lisa Kaplan Howe North Country Health Consortium Rural Health Reform Conference June 11, 2010

About NH Voices for Health A network of advocacy organizations, consumers & small businesses committed to expanding access to quality, affordable health care Representing 200,000 consumers statewide Our activities: Convening stakeholders Sharing information and promoting a public dialog Expanding the state’s advocacy capacity Advancing savvy and meaningful policy changes on the state and federal level

Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act: A Historic Milestone A century in the making Builds on & strengthens our current health care system Strengthens and expands coverage options Makes coverage more affordable Makes coverage more stable & higher quality Invests in health care cost control, quality, workforce, public health & equity

Strengthening and Expanding Coverage Options Strengthens public programs Medicaid – Federal funding for expanded eligibility and improved reimbursement Medicare – Improved preventive care, closing the donut hole and extending the solvency of the trust fund CHIP / Healthy Kids Silver – Extended & increased federal funding Streamlined enrollment Expands access to private coverage Can keep the coverage you have Access regardless of health status / history Extended family coverage for young adults Improved access / choice through the Exchange

Making Coverage More Affordable Reigns in excessive and wasteful costs – Promotes preventive care & efficiency – Strengths premium rate review – Limits administrative spending Makes premium charges more equitable Provides assistance for working families and small businesses – Individual premium subsidies & cost-sharing assistance – Small business tax credits & grants

Making Coverage More Stable & Higher Quality No benefit limits No rescissions Waiting periods limited “Essential health benefits” package Cost-sharing limited & no cost-sharing for preventive services Transparency of information

Shared Responsibility Based on the notions that: – The system works best when everyone is in it – We have an employer-based coverage system Must purchase coverage if it’s affordable to you – Various exemptions and waivers Expectation that employers provide coverage – Does not apply to small employers

Other Investments Health care cost control Health care quality Health care equity Public health Health care workforce

Next Steps: Staying Involved as the Work Continues Protecting against repeal Implementation – Federal – State Educating the public

For More Information… NH Voices for Health: join our mailing lists for updates and information about our public meetings HealthReform.gov Kaiser Health Reform Gateway: