Health Care Reform for Consumers
In March 2010, Congress passed a historic health care reform law called the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The law is meant to help an estimated 32 million Americans get health coverage.
Many changes under the law won’t go into effect until 2014. For example, in 2014 all Americans must obtain health care coverage to avoid a tax penalty. Subsidies to buy coverage will be available to many of the nation’s poorest citizens. Other changes, however, are already in place. For example, health plans that provide coverage to children on their parents’ plan now must make that coverage available at least until the adult child reaches age 26.
With the debate continuing about health care reform, no one knows exactly how the new law will play out. But we want to help you understand the law. We have combed through 2,300 pages of the law and have developed summary information and Questions and Answers focused on how the law impacts you.
Of course, this is only a quick view of the most important points.
Health Care Reform Timeline
Scan our Health Care Reform Timeline to get a brief look at what health care changes will occur over the next decade under the law.
Health Care Reform Explained
Get added detail about the changes that are occurring under the law, arranged by topic.
Questions and Answers
Still have questions about the law? Try our Q&As:
