I'm a Woman who Buys My Own Health Insurance

What Does the New Health Care Law Mean for Me?

The new health care law that President Obama signed in March 2010 has many benefits for women, including women like you who purchase health insurance directly from an insurer. Here are some of the ways that the new law will help:

NOW: New Rules Will Protect You from Insurance Company Abuses

• Insurers won’t be able to drop your coverage when you get sick.
• Insurers will have to publicize rate increases and justify those deemed to be unreasonable.  States can recommend that insurers with a history of unjustified increases not be allowed to participate in the new Health Insurance Exchanges, which come into operation in 2014 (more information on the Exchanges below).
• Starting with the first plan renewal after Sept. 23, 2010, health plans won’t be able to limit what they spend on your health care over your lifetime. In 2014, they will also be prohibited from limiting the amount they’ll spend on your care each year.

      Children Will Have New Coverage Options and Protections

• Until age 26, adult children without access to job-based coverage will be able to enroll as a dependent on a parent’s individual health plan, beginning with the first plan renewal after Sept. 23, 2010 (although some health plans are putting this provision into effect early).
• Beginning with the first plan renewal after Sept. 23, 2010, insurers will be prohibited from denying children coverage because of their medical history or imposing a pre-existing condition exclusion. 

IN 2011: Insurers Will Be Required to Spend More of Your Premium Dollars on Medical Care

• The health care law limits the percentage of your premium dollars that insurance companies can spend on profits, overhead, or marketing—this means they’ll spend more on your health care.  You will receive a rebate if your health plan does not spend enough on actual health care.

IN 2014: You May Find New, More Affordable Coverage Options through the new Exchanges

• In January 2014, new, easy-to-use Health Insurance Exchanges will start operating in every state. The Exchanges will allow you to comparison shop to find the best insurance plan to meet your needs.
• If you lose or choose not to renew your current coverage, the Exchanges will provide you with many new individual plan options.
• If you earn less than 400% of the federal poverty level (currently about $43,300 for an individual) and don’t have access to affordable job-based coverage, you may be eligible for subsidies to help afford health plans through the Exchanges.

      If You Choose a New Health Insurance Plan, You Will Be Protected By New Rules   

• New standards will help you find coverage for the services you need. New individual plans will be required to cover a set of essential health services, including maternity care and prescription drugs. They’ll also cover key preventive services for free. 
• Insurers will no longer be able to deny you coverage because of your medical history, exclude certain care, make you wait until it is covered, or charge you more because of your gender or health status.  There are also limits on the amount that premiums can vary due to age.

For more information on how you and other women you know will benefit from the new health care law,
visit the National Women’s Law Center website: www.nwlc.org/reformmatters.