Affordable Care Act and You

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law which will give Americans more security by holding insurance companies accountable, bringing down costs across the health care system, and helping more families get the peace of mind of affordable health insurance.

Beginning in January 2014, California will have a new Health Insurance Marketplace for individuals who buy their own coverage, lose their coverage, or have no coverage at all.  The Marketplaces will offer an online one-stop shop for a wide range of health plans, with clear explanations of their costs and benefits.  Also beginning in January, the law will end discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions. 

In addition to the Marketplace for individuals, there will be a Marketplace for small businesses called a SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) which will help make the purchase of health insurance affordable and accessible for small businesses.  Small businesses will also be able to benefit from the new law with the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

Enrollment for individuals and small businesses in California's Health Insurance Marketplace and SHOP begins October 1st. 

If you live in California's 35th Congressional district and have friends or family who are uninsured and want to learn more about the new health care law, this web page is intended to help answer those questions.  Click here to find out if you live in the district.

Where to start?

Information for Individuals and Families

Information for Small Business Owners