How will Health Care Reform Affect California?

January 1, 2014 is a big day for the country. That’s when most Americans and legal residents must be enrolled for medical insurance or pay a penalty (some exemptions apply), per the Health Care Reform mandate, which is also known as the Affordable Care Act or “Obamacare”. Legislators and medical insurance companies are busy fine tuning what it will look like. This website will help you stay informed on relevant topics, such as how the mandate will affect you, penalties, government subsidies, and choosing the best health insurance options for you and your family. 

Mark this Date on Your Calendar: October 1, 2013

Toward the end of 2013, millions of people will be shopping for health insurance. It is critical that you begin shopping before the rush! Starting October 1, 2013 you will be able to get quotes and enroll for a January 1, 2014 effective date. Many people will not start looking for health insurance in California until November or December of 2013. If you begin shopping in October, you will beat the rush and be able to get much better customer service. For more information, click Get Prepared for Healthcare Reform.

What are exchange plans?

Exchange plans are medical insurance plans that are government-qualified to help you avoid the penalty. And if your income is within the threshold, you may qualify for tax credits that will help reduce your premium. You don't have to enroll through the Exchange in order to get health insurance, but you must go through the Exchange to take advantage of the tax credits. California, along with all other 50 states, will be offering health insurance coverage through the “Exchange”. Starting October 1st, you may purchase California health insurance exchange plans through navigators and qualified local insurance agents or through websites like this one. For more information on your options, click California Health Insurance Options in 2014.

What aspects of Healthcare Reform are in effect today?

Some elements of the Affordable Care Act are already incorporated into medical plans today. Below are a few examples:

• Children under age 19 are guaranteed to be approved for health insurance, regardless of their medical status.
• Children up to age 26 may stay under their parents’ health policy.
• Preventive care services have been standardized and there is no charge to the members for these routine visits and screenings.

Health Care Reform: Where we are as a State and as a Nation

California has been one of the leaders in setting up a state-run health insurance exchange and implementing various aspects of the Affordable Care Act. The California Exchange is running on-schedule to start servicing consumers by October 1, 2013. Nationwide, a total of 19 states decided to create their own Exchange, 25 states defaulted to the Federal Exchange, and 7 are planning for a Partnership Exchange. For additional information on how Healthcare Reform will affect different people, click The Pros and Cons of Health Care Reform. 

Ongoing updates will be provided on this website. For a smoother transition, stay tuned to CaliforniaExchangePlans.org for news on how Health Care Reform will affect consumers in California.