Health Care Reform
Navigate by topic:
- I cannot afford health insurance. Will the new law help?
- Who pays for the extra screenings and other benefits included in the new law?
- Will health coverage be required?
- Can I still get health insurance for my children?
- What about people who cannot get health coverage because of a pre-existing condition?
Health Reform Q&A
Answers to common questions about health care reform
I cannot afford health insurance. Will the new law help?
Yes. If you are single and earn between $14,000 and $35,000, you may get government help to pay for your health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more. You can apply for help if you cannot get a health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more from your employer. How much help you get depends on your income and the cost of your health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more. Click here for limited income options available in your state.
Who pays for the extra screenings and other benefits included in the new law?
In many cases, your employer pays. By finding things like cancer and diabetes earlier through preventive screenings, the hope is that people will stay healthier – and avoid more costly health care services later. However, it is possible that more costs will be passed along through premium increases.
Will health coverage be required?
Beginning in 2014, people who do not buy health insurance will be subject to fines. There are exceptions. Some people may be exempt for religious reasons from the requirement to buy health coverage. And if you cannot afford a health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more, you may not have to pay a fine. If you are single and earn between $14,000 and $35,000, you may get government help if you can't get a health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more through your employer. Click here for limited income options in your state.
How much help you get depends on your income and the cost of your plan. In general, however, anyone without a health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more will be fined about $95 a year beginning in 2014. The fine goes up to $325 a year in 2015, and up to $695 a year in 2016.
Can I still get health insurance for my children?
Yes. Before health care reformhealth care reform
This is a broad term for major changes happening in the United States health care system now and in ... more, college graduates were usually not eligible for their parents’ health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more. But now the law lets children up to age 26 stay on their parents' plan.
What about people who cannot get health coverage because of a pre-existing condition?
Beginning with new plans or renewing plans effective on or after September 23, 2010, plans will not be able to apply pre-existing conditions limits to anyone under the age of 19. In 2014, this new rule will apply to everyone. Until then, people older than 19 who have not had health coverage for six months and have a pre-existing medical condition may be able to get a health planhealth plan
A health plan that you buy or that is provided by your employer. It pays for health care services. I... more through the Pre-existing Condition Insurance PlanPre-existing Condition Insurance Plan
A new program that grew out of health care reform provides health coverage for anyone who has been u... more.
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