About the ACA

The landmark Affordable Care Act (ACA) began delivering important new benefits and protections to tens of millions of American families almost immediately after it was signed into law by President Obama in 2010.  But the largest benefits of the law will become available to consumers on October 1, 2013, when health insurance marketplaces open in all 50 states.  These marketplaces will offer individuals, families, and small businesses an efficient, transparent one-stop shop to compare health insurance policies, receive financial assistance, and sign up for high-quality, affordable, and secure insurance coverage.

Residents of California's 6th Congressional District  have already seen significant benefits thanks to the ACA.  As a result of the law:

• 8,800 young adults in the district now have health insurance through their parents' plan.

• More than 4,500 seniors in the district received prescription drug discounts worth $4.5 million, an average discount of $390 per person in 1011, $490 in 2012, and as of July, $580 this year.

• 92,000 seniors in the district are now eligible for Medicare preventive services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductible.

• 160,000 individuals in the district - including 35,000 children and 67,000 women - now have health insurance that covers preventive services without any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductible.

• 184,000 individuals in the district are saving money due to ACA provisions that prevent insurance companies from spending more than 20% of their premiums on profits and administrative overhead.  Because of these protections, over 32,800 consumers in the district received approximately $2.4 million in insurance company rebates in 2012 and 2011 - an average rebate of $71 per family in 2012 and $65 per family in 2011.

• Up to 44,000 children in the district with preexisting health conditions can no longer be denied coverage by health insurers.

• 195,000 individuals in the district now have insurance that cannot place lifetime limits on their coverage and will not face annual limits on coverage starting in 2014.

• 113,000 individuals in the district who lack health insurance will have access to quality, affordable coverage without fear of discrimination or higher rates because of a preexisting health condition.  In addition, the 30,000 individuals who currently purchase private health insurance on the individual or small group market will have access to more secure, higher quality coverage and many will be eligible for financial assistance.

To learn more about how the Affordable Care Act is lowering health care costs and ensuring millions of Americans have access to affordable, quality health care, check out the resources below:

• How the ACA is containing health care costs
• How the ACA is creating savings for consumers
• How the ACA is benefiting women
• How the ACA is benefiting seniors and improving Medicare
• How the ACA is benefiting children and young adults
• How the ACA is benefiting small businesses