President Obama sealed the deal on the reform of health insurance today (30 March), singing into law a series of corrections to the unpopular parts of the legislation. Some provisions take effect immediately, others over the next four years. Here is a summary of the changes taking place this year.

• The new health law offers tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums for small businesses that choose to provide effective coverage for employees this year. In 2014, small business tax credits cover 50 percent of premiums.

• It creates a temporary subsidy for high-risk pool of uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions until an exchange is created – effective in 2010.

• Provides a rebate of $ 250 to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. From 2011, establishes a 50 percent discount on prescription drugs in the donut hole, also completely closes the donut hole in 2020.

• Creates a new temporary insurance program to help offset the costs of expensive premiums for employers and retirees for health benefits for ages 55-64 to retirees exchanges are available.

• The new law prohibits new health plans in all markets, in addition to the acquired group health plans from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. This applies to all persons in 2014.

• It bans insurance companies from dropping coverage when they get sick

• Extends coverage for youth up to age 26 years through insurance of their parents (the father of your choice). It applies to new health plans and certain plans of old.

• Prohibition of lifetime caps or limits of insurance coverage.

• Closely restricts annual limits on insurance coverage in all new health plans and age of the group – which is defined by the Health and Human Services. (From 2014, the use of any annual limit would be prohibited for all new or acquired the group health plans.)

• Free Preventive Care Plans In New private, no co-payments and prevention services are exempt from the franchise.

• It ensures that consumers in the new plans have access to an effective process of internal and external resources to appeal decisions of their health insurance plan.

• Prohibits new group health plans of establishing eligibility for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage workers.

• The new law provides assistance to States for the establishment of offices Health Insurance Assistance for consumers to assist individuals with filing complaints and appeals.