Who is Affected By Health Care Reform?
Since the legislation for health care reform passed, there are a number of changes that will take effect. The new health care law will affect everyone in some way. One of the first provisions that started deals with children. Now, kids up to the age of 26 can stay on their parents’ insurance plan. Along with that, the law gives rights to people with pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance companies are not allowed to cancel insurance policies just because a person gets sick.
Low-income families are going to get more help. In fact, medicaid is being expanded to cover additional families. Health care reform will also affect people who do not have insurance. The reform has made it a law for citizens to have health insurance. Starting in 2014, people will pay a penalty if they fail to purchase coverage. However, people in the lowest-income bracket are exempt from this requirement. The government will provide subsidies to make it more affordable for families that are above the federal poverty level.
The new health care reform will also affect employers. For instance, employers will have to pay a fine if they do not provide their workers with insurance coverage. Smaller businesses will be given tax credits to help buy insurance.