Several Health Reform Rules Went Into Effect on Jan. 1
Several provisions of the health reform law took effect on Jan. 1. The regulations include a 50% discount on brand-name prescription drugs for certain Medicare beneficiaries who fall into the "doughnut hole" coverage gap, a $2.5 billion tax on drugmakers based on sales volume, new medical-loss ratio rules for insurers and providing at no cost several preventive services for Medicare beneficiaries.
- "Big Health Care Changes Arrive in New Year" (Adamy, Wall Street Journal, 12/31/10).
- "New Health Care Rules To Take Effect" (Fahrenthold, Washington Post, 1/1).