Finding health insurance is as easy as 1-2-3.

The ABC's of the Affordable Care Act

In 2010 President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the law commonly known as health reform. Health reform is changing how people get health care, how they get health insurance, what it costs and who pays for it.

A Affordable – You or members of your family may qualify for help paying for a health insurance plan. New rules make it possible for many Americans to qualify for a tax credit (also called a subsidy) to help pay insurance premiums.These savings may come in the form of a Premium Tax CreditPremium Tax CreditThe Premium Tax Credit is a federal subsidy used to assist qualifying individuals and families by reducing the monthly premium payments to help make health insurance affordable.  which can be used to reduce your monthly premium payment or a program like MedicareMedicareMedicare is a federal health insurance program that pays for hospital and medical care for elderly and certain disabled Americans., MedicaidMedicaidMedicaid is a government program that provides health coverage to certain low-income Americans. Medicaid may cover families and children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is a government program that provides low-cost health coverage to children in families earning too much money to qualify for Medicaid..

The amount of assistance you qualify for is based on things like:

  • The number of people in your household
  • Age of household members
  • Annual household income
  • Where you live

See if you qualify for a tax credit

If you do not have health insurance through your employer, you may be eligible for help paying for a plan offered in the Health Insurance Marketplace. You may qualify for one of government subsidies which pay for a portion of the plan premiums, and can be taken as a credit against annual federal taxes, or as a credit against the monthly plan premium.

B Benefits – The health insurance plans offered on the Health Insurance Marketplace include a comprehensive set of essential health benefits defined by the government. Qualifying plans sold outside the Marketplaces also include these benefits.

No matter which plan you choose, these categories of Essential Health Benefits will be covered:

  • Ambulatory patient services
  • Emergency services
  • Hospitalization
  • Laboratory services
  • Maternity and newborn care
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services including behavioral health treatment
  • Pediatric services, including oral and vision care
  • Prescription drugs
  • Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
  • Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices


C Coverage – As part of the ACA, everyone, with a few exceptions, is required to have health insurance. People who choose not to buy health insurance may pay a penalty, or fee, each year. They also pay for the costs of all their health care.

The Affordable Care Act guarantees:

  • Coverage for pre-existing conditions
  • Coverage for essential health benefits
  • Financial assistance for those who qualify. This may include a Premium Tax Credit, Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or Medicare.

Here's a summary of other important changes:

  • If a plan covers children, they can be added to or kept on the parent's health insurance policy until they turn 26 years old.
  • You can choose your doctor from among any primary care provider (PCP) or pediatrician who's in your plan's network and accepting new patients.
  • You don't need approval in advance for emergency care.
  • You can't be denied coverage if you have a pre-existing health condition (such as diabetes or heart disease). And you can't be charged a higher premium because of your condition.

There are no lifetime or annual limits on essential health benefits.

Learn more about:

References to UnitedHealthcare pertain to each individual company or other UnitedHealthcare affiliated companies.

Insurance products and services offered are underwritten by All Savers Insurance Company, Health Plan of Nevada, Inc., UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, Inc., UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare of Alabama, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Florida, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Louisiana, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of the Midwest, UnitedHealthcare of Mississippi, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of New England, Inc.,  UnitedHealthcare of New York, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of North Carolina, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Ohio, Inc., UnitedHealthcare of Pennsylvania, Inc., Oxford Health Plans (NJ), Inc.

Each company is a separate entity and is not responsible for another’s financial or contractual obligations.

Administrative services are provided by UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc. or by related companies.