The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a complex piece of legislation that has an impact on many aspects of health care. Its implementation spans years, it encompasses many exceptions, and it is always changing. Read on to learn more these key aspects of this law.
Implementation of the Affordable Care Act
The ACA was passed in 2010 with a timeline for implementing its provisions over the course of eight years. Click here to see the history of the law’s implementation and find dates and deadlines that may be significant to you given the nature of your coverage.
Grandfathered Plans: Be Aware of Exceptions to the Law
As you read about specific provisions of the ACA, pay close attention to exceptions that may apply to your coverage. Special rules apply to grandfathered plans, which are job-based and individually purchased plans in effect before the ACA became law on March 23, 2010. Click here to learn more about grandfathered plans and exceptions to coverage.
Tracking Changes in Federal and State Healthcare Law
The implementation of the ACA has already brought about a lot of change, but more change will come. Protect yourself and your family by knowing the details of your healthcare coverage and be prepared for changes in the federal and state laws that could affect your coverage. The following websites can help you track these changes and learn more about ongoing healthcare reform.
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation State Health Insurance Marketplace ProfilesThis site tracks and reports on the progress of healthcare reform in your state
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Health Reform SiteThis site from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation provides news and information at both the state and federal level along with public opinion poll results, information on assistance and subsidies (e.g., a subsidy calculator, implementation milestones, and other resources for both insured and uninsured consumers.
Medicare.govMedicare.gov provides updates, tools, and information about Medicare. For example, one resource is a tool for finding and comparing hospitals in your area for specific medical conditions, such as heart attack. The site’s other many features include news
The Center for Consumer Information & Insurance Oversight (CCIIO)CCIIO is the arm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for implementing the Affordable Care Act. This site provides consumer support and information on its programs and initiatives, such as its work with state and local governments to comply with new regulations and protect consumers.
Foundation for Health Coverage Education
This site provides assistance in finding affordable health insurance coverage.
Gaining an understanding of ACA provisions and healthcare practices in your own state gives you important perspective on how to ensure quality care for you and your family at a price you can afford. Click here if you need assistance finding affordable coverage.
Note: This website and the information contained, expressed or implied herein are made available solely for general informational purposes and are not intended to be legal, tax, health, medical or professional advice or the sole source of information about health insurance coverage or specific health plans. While every effort is made to ensure that this information is accurate and current, SCAI makes no guarantees and disclaims any expressed or implied warranty or representation about its accuracy, relevance, timeliness, completeness or appropriateness for a particular purpose.