Health Insurance

29 Health Care Reform National health reform was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2010. The name of the new law is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Health reform offers many benefits to Californians looking for health insurance. For more information on healthcare reform in California, go to www.insurance.ca.gov . Some reforms include: • A health insurance company cannot deny your coverage if you have a pre-exisiting condition. • No annual limits on essential health benefits. • Health insurance companies must sell and renew insurance policies for everyone. • No cancellation of your policy when you become sick. • No more lifetime limits on essential health benefits. • No charge for preventive care such as mammograms, vaccinations, well-child care, and many other health screenings.* • You don’t need to get a referral for pregnancy and other gynecological care, as long as the provider is in your network.* • Generally, children can stay on their parents’ policy until age 26, as long as the policy offers dependent coverage.* * There are certain exceptions for “grandfathered” plans—plans that existed before passage of the Affordable Care Act.