On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed into law comprehensive health reform titled the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act HR3590. The following summary provides a high level overview of key health coverage provisions in the law and changes made with subsequent legislation.

· Most individuals will be required to have health insurance beginning in 2014. 

· Individuals who do not have access to affordable employer sponsored coverage will be able to purchase coverage through a health Insurance Exchange.  Some people in this category will have access to premium and cost-sharing credits available designed to make coverage more affordable. Small businesses will have the ability to purchase coverage through a separate Exchange.  Note: They still have not defined what is considered a "Small business."

· Employers will be required to pay a penalty for each employee who receives tax credits for health insurance through the Exchange, with exceptions for small employers.

· There are new regulations on all health plans that will prevent health insurers from denying coverage to people for any reason, including health status, and from increasing premiums based on health status and gender.

· Medicaid will be expanded to 133% of the federal poverty level ($14,404 for an individual and $29,327 for a family of four in 2009) for all individuals under age 65.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the legislation will reduce the number of uninsured by 32 million in 2019 at a net cost of $938 billion over ten years, while reducing the deficit by $124 billion during this time period.