Health insurance reform introduces a new era of accountability to insurance companies. As health insurance reform gets under way, most consumers desire to know how they will be directly impacted by the changes. There are several key measures that will change the overall landscape of health insurance practices.

Rescission is a controversial practice of insurance companies. When an individual becomes ill, an individual can lose coverage through the practice called rescission. The practice of rescission has been eliminated due to health care reform. Starting in September of this year, this practice will no longer be allowed for health insurance plans. Individuals will now be covered if they become ill without having to worry about losing coverage.

Individuals with pre-existing conditions will be able to take advantage of a high risk pool that will be federally funded. Individuals will be able to choose from multiple affordable plans negotiated with insurance companies. Individuals will be able to get the health services needed for any medical conditions. The individuals will be able to purchase a health insurance plan through a special exchange put in place.

Many insurance companies impose lifetime limits to coverage plans extended to the people they insure. Insurance carriers will no longer be able to impose restrictions for annual and life time limits on coverage plans. Health insurance reform restricts this practice. Individuals will now be able to rely on their health insurance plans to commit to the level of coverage the recipient is paying for with no contingencies.

The access to affordable health care will benefit lower income families. Medicaid would be available to individuals that are under the age of 65 with this plan. Individuals with an income that equals 13.3% of the federal poverty level will be included in this plan. The income limit established for a family of four is $29,327.

Health insurance reform has some subtle provisions included in the legislation. Individuals will now be able to see the calorie count of items being purchased in restaurants throughout their community. One key provision requires that all restaurants prominently display the calorie count of all menu items on menu boards. This is a measure designed to help increase public awareness and help the public make more informed decisions about the foods they desire to eat.

Health insurance reform legislation has removed some of the discriminatory practices of the insurance industry. In its efforts to make health care more affordable, it removed various barriers and restrictions for the purpose of benefiting those with limited access to healthcare. Health insurance used to be provided to many solely through an employer, but individuals now have access to coverage through the health care reform legislation.