Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010

The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 is a significant piece of legislation in the United States that amended the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) and made changes to the federal student loan program. It was signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 30, 2010.

Background

The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 was enacted as part of the broader effort to reform the American healthcare system. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed by the United States Congress and signed into law on March 23, 2010. However, due to procedural issues and political negotiations, certain changes were made through the reconciliation process, leading to the creation of this act.

Legislative Process

The reconciliation process is a legislative procedure that allows for expedited consideration of certain tax, spending, and debt limit legislation. It is particularly significant because it limits debate in the United States Senate and prevents a filibuster, allowing for passage with a simple majority.

House roll call votes on the Reconciliation Act

The act was passed by the House of Representatives on March 21, 2010, with a vote of 220-211. It was then passed by the Senate on March 25, 2010, with a vote of 56-43. The final version was signed into law by President Obama on March 30, 2010.

Provisions

The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 included several key provisions:

Health Care Provisions

• Medicare Improvements: The act made changes to Medicare, including closing the "donut hole" in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
• Medicaid Expansion: It expanded Medicaid eligibility to cover more low-income individuals and families.
• Tax Credits: The act provided tax credits to help individuals and families afford health insurance.
• Insurance Reforms: It included reforms to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions.

Education Provisions

• Student Loan Reform: The act ended the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) and required all new federal student loans to be made through the Direct Loan Program.
• Pell Grants: It increased funding for Pell Grants, which provide financial aid to low-income college students.

Senate roll call vote on the Reconciliation Act

Impact

The Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 had a significant impact on both the healthcare and education systems in the United States. It played a crucial role in expanding access to healthcare for millions of Americans and made higher education more affordable for students.

Related Pages

• Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
• Medicare (United States)
• Medicaid
• Federal student loan
• Pell Grant

President Obama signing the Reconciliation Act