The federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), aimed at reforming the nation’s health care system, became law in March 2010, but its implementation is staged over a number of years. Some provisions have already taken effect and others will be implemented in 2014 and beyond.
This succinct guide — updated in March 2012 — is designed to acquaint California consumers with the key ACA reforms that are likely to affect them. The guide includes:
- A list of ACA reforms already in effect and the reforms scheduled to be implemented in 2014
- The 2014 coverage options and cost considerations for uninsured California individuals and families
- The 2014 coverage options and cost/benefit considerations for Californians with insurance through employer plans, individually purchased plans, or Medicare
- A description of potential federal developments, including US Supreme Court review, that may affect implementation of the ACA or its individual provisions