The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly called health care reform, was passed on March 23, 2010. The ACA is addressing several areas of health care such as health insurance coverage, exchanges, subsidies, Medicare and Medicaid reform and other features. Clark County Public Health is working to stay informed of the changes in health care and the effects of this legislation on Clark County residents.

While the legislation does not go into full effect until 2014, many components have already been implemented. For example:

• Insurance companies can no longer deny children insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition
• Lifetime limits on insurance coverage have been eliminated
• You can now keep your dependent adult on your insurance up to the age of 26
• Most preventive care such as immunizations and mammograms do not have a co-pay
• For seniors, Medicare Part D is closing the prescription drug coverage gap, known as the donut hole
  • In 2010, people in the donut hole received a one time $250 rebate
  • In 2011, these same people will receive 50 percent off the cost of brand name drugs when they reach the donut hole
• Insurers are prohibited from charging women more than men for the same insurance coverage.

Learn more about how the new health care reform law affects you and your family: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Health Insurance Exhanges

What are they? Health Insurance Exhanges 101 gives essential information that is easy to understand.

If you have questions about ACA, please email melody.scheer@clark.wa.gov or call (360) 397-8020 and we will try to find the answers for you.