I've heard a lot about changes to health insurance coverage. What do I need to know?

There are a number of changes to current legislation that will impact people in different ways. Right now the changes are set to be phased in over a number of years. The new laws for 2010:

Sets up a high-risk health insurance pool to provide affordable coverage for uninsured people with medical problems.
Starting six months after enactment, requires all health insurance plans to maintain dependent coverage for children until they turn 26.
For children with medical problems, prohibits insurers from writing a policy that excludes payment for the particular condition. Insurers in the individual market could still deny new coverage to children in poor health.
Bars insurance companies from putting lifetime dollar limits on coverage, and canceling policies except for fraud.
Provides tax credits to help small businesses with up to 25 employees get and keep coverage for their employees.
Begins narrowing the Medicare prescription coverage gap by providing a $250 rebate to seniors in the gap, which starts this year once they have spent $2,830. It would be fully closed by 2020.
Reduces projected Medicare payments to hospitals, home health agencies, nursing homes, hospices and other providers.
Imposes a 10 percent sales tax on indoor tanning.