Insurance companies are rushing to devise health benefit plans that comply with federal standards. This is in response to the “essential health benefits” which were defined on Tuesday by the Obama administration. Starting in October, people can enroll in the new plans, for coverage that begins on Jan. 1, 2014. The rules translate the broad promises of the 2010 law into detailed standards that can be enforced by state and federal officials.

The rules lay out 10 broad categories of essential health benefits, but allow each state to specify the benefits within those categories, at least for 2014 and 2015. The rules also give employers new freedom to reward employees who participate in workplace wellness programs intended to help them lower blood pressure, lose weight or reduce cholesterol levels. Click here to read the full article by Robert Pear, New York Times.