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November 20, 2013

Healthcare reform is here: What you need to know

In March 2010 President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Act is aimed at improving the health care system of the United States by widening health coverage to more Americans, as well as protecting existing health insurance policy holders.

For those Americans who already have health insurance through their employer, they will experience little change.

For the uninsured or those who don’t get their coverage through work, new benefits and better protection will now be available. A key component of the Affordable Care Act took effect on October 1, 2013 when the new Health Insurance Marketplace opened for business, allowing millions of Americans to shop for a variety of quality, affordable plans that best meet their health care needs. California’s Health Insurance Marketplace is called Covered California (www.CoveredCA.com)

Additionally, Medi-Cal, the state’s free public health insurance program will be expanded to more people. If you are a legal resident or citizen of California and earn less than $15,000 per year as an individual, you may be eligible for Medi-Cal.

MNHC has Certified Enrollment Counselors who can assist you in understanding your options and with enrolling in Medi-Cal or Covered California. Contact MNHC to learn more, at 415-692-1515.

 

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