Opinion

Fact, fiction in health care reform

By Susan A. Davis

Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 12:05 a.m.

Now that the health care reform bill is law, Americans are beginning to sift through the facts and myths, reality and fiction. People’s focus is naturally turning toward learning what is in the law and what it means for them and their families.

Here is what goes into effect this year:

Small businesses will get a tax credit on 35 percent of the cost of health insurance for their employees. Many small businesses want to extend coverage to their employees but can’t because of the cost. For the small businesses already providing health care coverage for workers, they will also benefit from this tax break. While businesses with fewer than 50 employees aren’t obligated to provide insurance, these credits might encourage employers to do so. This will not only make health care coverage more affordable but it will allow small business owners to invest these savings back into their businesses.

Under the Medicare Prescription Drug plan, seniors must pay the full cost of drugs once they reach the coverage limit of $2,250, known as the “doughnut hole.â€