HEALTH REFORM INFORMATION
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Health Reform Information
On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 into law. The goal of the ACA is to ensure that everyone residing legally in the United States has healthcare coverage. In order to meet that goal, the ACA ensures that there are affordable healthcare coverage options available to people at all income levels. The ACA, frequently called Obamacare, will be fully implemented beginning January 1, 2014, although several provisions have been instituted already. The Kaiser Family Foundation has developed a video explaining the Affordable Care Act called Health Reform Hits Main Street and a Timeline showing key implementation points each year.
At a Glance
At a Glance
Important provisions of the new health law which take effect on January 1, 2014:
- Requires most US citizens and legal residents to have health insurance
- Provides premium assistance to individuals and families meeting specific low to modest income requirements
- Establishes requirements for participation in the ACA for small and large businesse. Most requirements take effect on January 1, 2014
- Expands Medicaid to most adults earning under 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Prohibits health plans from limiting annual or lifetime dollar value of benefits
- Out-of-pocket costs may not exceed $5,950 fro single coverage and $11,900 for family coverage
- Medical underwriting is prohibited
- Premium Rate variation is only allowed based on age (1:3), tobacco use (1.5:1.0), family composition and geography
- Health plans must cover essential benefits defined by the ACA regulations
- For a copy of the ACA, go to Affordable Care Act
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