Federal healthcare reform brings big changes to GHLIT

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — Federal health-care reform measures are resulting in a number of changes with the American Veterinary Medical Association's (AVMA) Group Health and Life Insurance Trust (GHLIT).

One major change, according to AVMA, is the elimination of lifetime and annual dollar limits for "essential health benefits" like hospitalization, emergency services, prescription drugs, pediatric services and laboratory services.

Additionally, preventive services coverage will be enhanced by including maternity benefits, which previously were an option on some GHLIT PPO medical plans.

Deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance also will be eliminated on a number of preventive services, and limitations on coverage of preexisting conditions for dependant children under age 26 will no longer apply.

The changes all will take effect Jan. 1, 2011. More information can be found at www.avmaghlit.org or by calling (800) 621-6360.