ACA Changes Forthcoming in 2011

Here is a list of what to expect:

• Reports to Congress: the National Quality Strategy, National Prevention Strategies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Establishment of the CMS Center for Innovation
• Implementation of insurance plan requirements: medical loss ratio (MLR), premium increase oversight, and others
• Start of Medicare bonuses to primary care providers and general surgeons who treat under-served populations; equivalent pay to certified nurse practitioners for primary care services
• Prohibitions against preventive services cost sharing start for Medicare enrollees
• New employer W-2 reporting (1099 provision)
• Enhanced Medicaid home and community-based services funding for states
• Start of the annual pharmaceutical manufacturer excise tax ($2.5 billion per year)
• Discounts for branded prescription drugs in Part D coverage begin for Medicare enrollees
• New disclosure requirements for ownership of skilled nursing and nursing homes
• Initiation of nutrition labeling on menus and vending machines
• Enhancement of government websites: Healthcare.gov (for insurance), Physician Compare, and others
• First working sessions for the Patient Centered Outcome Research Institute (PCORI) (members already named and recruitment for an Executive Director is underway)