The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (also known as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare) was signed into law by President Obama in March of 2010. One aim of this health reform law is to make preventative care more accessible and affordable for many Americans.
One aspect of the Affordable Care Act is the requirement that all U.S. citizens and legal residents must have health insurance on January 1, 2014. If a person does not have health insurance, they may have to pay a penalty that will increase for every year that person is without insurance.
Starting on October 1, 2013, the Health Insurance Marketplace will open up allowing individuals to view available insurance plans and select the plan that is right for them. To find out more about the Health Insurance Marketplace and to enroll in plans, please go to healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325.
Healthcare.gov is the official website for consumer information about the Affordable Care Act. It includes information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, such as how to use the marketplace and how to enroll, as well as important dates and what your rights and protections are under the law.
MSU Extension Affordable Care Act Roadmap was designed to help consumers understand their options under the ACA and select an appropriate health insurance plan for themselves and their families. This site also provides information for employers about their resposibilities to their employees.
What Obamacare means for you is a video produced by the White House explaining how the Affordable Care Act will affect those that already have health care and those that do not.
Myths and facts about the new health reform law.
What does Marketplace health insurance cover? includes a list of typical health services covered under insurance options available in the health insurance Marketplace.
State-by-state monthly marketplace premiums provides a full report and an interactive map displaying information such as the average number of health insurance plans available on the marketplace and the range of monthly premiums.
Things to think about when choosing a health plan
Marketplace application process: this 6 minute video shows you how to fill out the online Marketplace application.
Get ready to enroll in the Marketplace provides information on what documentation you'll need on hand, such as W-2's, social security number, to actually enroll in an insurance plan.
Marketplace enrollment process is a 4 minute video that provides step-by-step instructions on how to find and enroll in a health care plan through the Marketplace.
Visit localhelp.healthcare.gov to find help in your area. Just search by city and state or zipcode to find organizations that can help you enroll in a health plan.