Big changes are coming in the way Americans get and pay for their health care. By 2014, the federal Affordable Care Act could help as many as 32 million Americans who now have no health care coverage to receive coverage, and it will transform the way many others are covered. The six videos from CHCF below examine the central ways our health care system will transform under health reform.

Broadly, by 2014:

• Government-funded health insurance (Medi-Cal) will expand to cover two to three million more Californians who can't afford their own insurance today.
• No one can be denied coverage by an insurance company for having preexisting conditions, or for any other reason.
• All Americans will be required to have health coverage, either through their work, through a public program, or by buying it on their own.
• Businesses will have to offer adequate coverage to their employees or pay a penalty if those workers end up using government-supported coverage. Small employers with mostly low-wage workers will be eligible for subsidies.
• State health insurance exchanges will help consumers shop for policies. Exchanges will help people learn if they are eligible for government-supported health care (like Medi-Cal) or subsidies to help pay for private coverage.

What to Expect from the Affordable Care Act:
Overview

What to Expect from the Affordable Care Act:
Insurance Market Reforms

What to Expect from the Affordable Care Act:
Medicaid Expansion

What to Expect from the Affordable Care Act:
New Employer Responsibilities

What to Expect from the Affordable Care Act:
New Individual Responsibilities

What to Expect from the Affordable Care Act:
Health Insurance Exchange