What does health care reform mean for me?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is going to change how health care is financed, delivered and regulated for years to come. What does it mean for you?

If you're uninsured

You’ll still be able to buy health insurance from companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network. But instead of shopping online or with an agent, you’ll be able to shop through a state-run marketplace called the Exchange.

All of the plans will have a minimum set of benefits, like preventive care, for instance. Most people who are uninsured will have to buy coverage and might pay a penalty for not having insurance.

• If your individual or family income is 400 percent or less than the federal poverty level, you’ll qualify for a premium or cost-sharing subsidy to buy health insurance. The subsidy will be calculated based on your 2012 income. If you do qualify for a subsidy, you’ll probably have to purchase individual insurance on the Exchange.
• If your household income is low, you might qualify for coverage under Medicaid. And if you're having trouble finding coverage because of a pre-existing medical condition, you might qualify for coverage through the government.
• If you have a medical condition and have been uninsured for at least six months, you may qualify for the high-risk pool through the state of Michigan. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan already insures anyone, regardless of pre-existing conditions, and will continue to do so.

If you already have insurance

You may be able to keep the plan you have, whether it’s through your employer or an individual plan that you purchased.  But if your insurance company drops coverage or if your individual plan doesn't meet the requirements for a qualified health plan under the health care reform law, you may have to switch plans. 

In that case, you’ll be able to shop for coverage through state-run exchanges. 

Also, if you qualify for a subsidy you will most likely have to purchase your individual plan through the exchange in order to receive the subsidy. You will still be able to purchase from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network if you’d like.

• Learn more about the health care reform
  

Resources for health care reform information

• Kaiser Foundation
  
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
• Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation
• Are you eligible for a tax credit under health care reform?