Some of the more hyperbolic interpretations of the Obama health-care plan suggested that its passing would usher in death panels and soaring taxes and recast the United States as a socialist paradise. Its actual impact will see a number of concrete changes this year, most of which expand and improve coverage for children, the elderly and high-risk groups. Other key aspects of the plan - like new taxes on wealthy Americans and the legal requirement to have health insurance - will kick in over the coming years.
Sick Kids
Under the new plan, children with pre-existing health conditions can no longer be denied health insurance. The bill immediately outlaws that practice for new and grandfathered health plans. Young people will also be allowed to stay on their parents' insurance policy until the age of 26.
Small-business coverage
Small businesses that choose to offer coverage will receive tax credits of up to 35 per cent of premiums as of this year.
High-risk pool
Adults who are currently uninsured because of pre-existing health conditions will have immediate access to affordable insurance through a temporary high-risk pool.
Closing the doughnut hole
Under the old Medicaid program, coverage for prescription drugs falls off after an individual has spent $2,700 on drugs, and resumes again only after $6,154 is spent. Effective immediately, people who fall into this so-called "doughnut hole" will receive a $250 rebate. In 2011, they will get a 50-per-cent discount on brand-name drugs. By 2020, 75 per cent of drug costs will be covered.
Retiree coverage
The bill will create a temporary reinsurance program this year to help offset the cost of premiums for retirees between the ages of 55 and 64 who are not yet covered by Medicare.
No more denials
This year, insurance companies will be banned from dropping people from coverage when they get sick, and from implementing lifetime caps on coverage.
More health-care centres
Starting in the next fiscal year, the bill increases funding for community health centres so they can double the number of patients they treat within the next five years.
Appeals system
Beginning this year, the bill creates an independent appeals process for consumers in private insurance plans.
Justified premium increases
Starting in 2010, the bill holds insurance companies accountable for unreasonable rate hikes, requiring them to submit justification for all requested increases.
Siri Agrell