The Affordable Care Act, popularly known as ObamaCare or House Bill H. R. 3962, is an initiative by the Federal Government to get every legal resident and citizen of the United States access to affordable health insurance. Middle and low-income families will get tax credits that cover a significant portion of the cost of coverage. Also, the Medicaid program will be expanded to cover more low-income Americans, if your state has opted in to do so. Under Obamacare everyone in the United States will be legally required to carry health insurance or pay a penalty annually. Open enrollment for ObamaCare begins October 1, 2013 when individuals, families and small businesses will be able to purchase insurance. However, be mindful that coverage will not begin until January 1, 2014, and enrollment will end in March of 2014.
Where can I read the Affordable Care Act Bill raw and unedited?
You may read the affordable Care Act Bill online by clicking here . There are many opponents to the Bill, therefore , it is imperative that you at least try to read it for yourself. This is a very huge document, close to 2000 pages. However, the Bill has a pretty handy table of contents that you can use to jump to the area that most impacts you or what you want to find out.
What are the key features of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare)?
Improving Quality and Lowering Healthcare Costs
Free preventive care
Prescription discounts for seniors
Protection against health care fraud
Small Business Tax Credits
New Consumer Protections
Pre-existing conditions
Consumer Assistance
Access to Healthcare
Health Insurance Marketplace (The Exchange).
Benefits for Women
Providing insurance options
Covering preventive services
Lowering costs
Young Adult Coverage
Coverage available to children up to age 26
Strengthening Medicare
Yearly Wellness Visit
Many Free Preventive Services for some seniors with Medicare
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable
Insurers must justify any premium increase of 10% or more before the rate takes effect
Timeline of Health Insurance Marketplace
October – Open enrollment begins
January – Coverage begins
March – Open enrollment closes
Future – All Americans have access to affordable health care.
Here is a cool infographic that summarizes the Affordable Healthcare Act-ObamaCare.
Stay tuned. We will try to cover the basics as far as ObamaCare is concerned.
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