Here are just some points about the health care bill that everyone should know.

Effective May 2, 2010, a $250 rebate to those who hit the doughnut hole.

Effective June 2010, insurance for uninsured people with preexisting conditions. Protection of coverage for early retirees and reduced premuims for employers.

Effective October 2010, children with pre-existing condition can no longer be denied coverage. Also ends lifetime limits on coverage.

Extends coverage through parents insurance for young people up to 26th birthday.

Holds insurance companies accountable for unreasonable rate hikes.

Questions about the temporary high risk pool? Under the health reform law a temporary national high-risk pool will be created to provide health coverage to people with pre-existing medical conditions who’ve been uninsured for six months.

This is designed to bridge the gap until other coverage provisions in the law take effect in January 2014.

More information can be found at www.walz.house.gov. Also many other things can be found at www.walz.house.gov, such as the 2010 farm bill.

Help for struggling homeowners? Call (507) 206-0643 Rochester office or Mankato office (507) 388-2149.

Roselyn Anderson

Albert Lea