Health care reform: An unfinished agenda
Passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was an important milestone in addressing the issue of the nation's uninsured. But other challenges remain as we work to build a healthier world. Future changes must:
- Encourage competition
- Promote innovation
- Make health care more affordable
At Aetna, we have a long history of working to build a better health care system. We remain focused on this goal until our vision is fully realized. We support:
- Strengthening Medicare and other health programs
- Improving tax policy
- Expanding provider collaborations
- Improving care through health information technology
A law that changed the landscape
We are committed to helping you understand the impact of the ACA. Passed in 2010, the law says in part:
- Almost everyone must get health insurance.
- Nobody can be turned down.
- People can buy a health plan in a new way: on a state or federal exchange.
- In some cases, the government may help pay for health coverage.
- Larger employers must provide health insurance or pay a penalty.
- Small employers can buy coverage on the health insurance exchanges.
What the ACA means for you
Individuals
The law sets minimum standards for what health plans must cover. And most people must have insurance or possibly pay a penalty.
Employers
Employers with at least 50 full-time and full-time-equivalent employees may have to pay a penalty if they don’t offer health coverage that meets certain standards.
Buying a health plan on an exchange
Individuals and some small businesses can buy health insurance on the exchanges. Individuals may be able to get financial help. Learn more about health insurance exchanges:
For employers
For health care professionals
Note: this information is not meant as legal or tax advice. Please talk to your legal or tax advisor about any questions.