Health Reform Summary

In April 2009, President Obama established the Office of Health Reform to coordinate administrative efforts on national health reform. He released the FY 2010 budget which outlined eight principles for health reform and proposed to a set aside $634 billion in a health reform reserve fund. By November 2009, bills passed in the three House committees and two Senate committees with jurisdiction over health care, culminating in floor votes.

November 7, 2009

The "Affordable Health Care for America Act" passes in the House (voting 220-215).

December, 24, 2009

The "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" passes in the Senate, following three weeks of floor debate (voting 60-39).

March 3, 2010

In a White House speech, President Obama discusses his Proposal for Health Care Reform and provides legislative direction indicating that, if necessary, the reconciliation process (requiring only a simple majority vote of 51 in the Senate to pass) should be used to pass the legislation.

March 21, 2010

The House of Representatives passes the Senate bill, the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (voting 219-212) and sends it to the President for signing.

The House of Representatives also passes the "Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010" that amends the Senate bill to reflect House and Senate negotiations and also includes reform of the nation's student loan system. The reconciliation bill is sent to the Senate for a final vote.

March 23, 2010 

President Obama signs the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) at the White House. 

March 25, 2010

The Senate passes final version of the "Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010" with two education-related changes to the House bill (voting 56-43). House votes on the bill as amended by the Senate (voting 220-207).

March 30, 2010

President Obama signs the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (PL 111-152) at Northern Virginia Community College.

January 1, 2011

CMS issued rules on grandfather plans. LTCPA issued a summary. LTCPA also issued a white paper.