Consumers can find detailed information about the Affordable Care Act in the resources listed below. These web sites and documents will help you navigate the options and choices available under the new health reform law.
Ask an Expert — Health Insurance Literacy Community of Practice
This eXtension community exists to help people make smart health insurance choices and to plan for health care costs. The Ask an Expert service enables you to submit your own questions about the Affordable Care Act. Health Insurance Literacy is a coalition of university faculty from across the U.S. whose goal is to help you make informed choices about your health care expenses.
Source: eXtension
Find Insurance Options
Includes a simple two-step online process to help users find health insurance suited to their needs.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
HealthCare.gov web site
The federal government’s main web site for Affordable Care Act information and resources. Includes information about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) including the Web page The Health Care Law & You: http://www.healthcare.gov/law/
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Reform: Seven Things You Need to Know (PDF document)
This 16-page publication by Consumer Reports describes key features of the ACA and how it impacts health care decisions.
Source: Consumer Reports
How the Health Care Law Benefits You – State by State
Includes an interactive U.S. map where you can click on your state to find out about health care options.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Insuring Your Health – Guides and Worksheets
A series of publications from the University of Maryland with information and worksheets designed to help consumers understand basic insurance concepts and make health care decisions. Includes worksheets to list doctors seen and health conditions treated, record prescription medicines taken, compare three health insurance plans, and prioritize health insurance needs. The site also includes a spending plan worksheet, a glossary of terms, and an illustration of health care cost-sharing.
Source: University of Maryland Extension
My Smart Choice Health Insurance Guide
A 26-page publication from the University of Maryland with information and worksheets designed to help consumers understand basic insurance concepts and make health care decisions. Includes worksheets to list doctors seen and health conditions treated, record prescription medicines taken, compare three health insurance plans, and prioritize health insurance needs. It also includes a spending plan worksheet, a glossary of terms, and an illustration of health care cost-sharing.
Source: University of Maryland Extension
Summary of Coverage Provisions in the Affordable Care Act
Provides a 2-page summary of key ACA provisions including the individual mandate and employer requirements.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
The Affordable Care Act Fact Sheets
Provides links for four separate fact sheets about the ACA including one related to small businesses and rural communities.
Source: University of Wisconsin
Your State Marketplace
Access the Health Insurance Marketplace for information about the health insurance coverage options that will be available in your state.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Calculators:
How Much Will a Family Save Under the New Federal Health Law?
This calculator helps users estimate the cost of health care under ACA with and without government subsidies.
Source: University of California-Berkeley Labor Center
Videos:
The YouToons Get Ready for Obamacare
This seven-minute animated video, published in July 2013, explains the basics of the Affordable Care Act in an unbiased way.
Source: Kaiser Family Foundation
eXtension Webinars:
The following are recordings of eXtension Webinars on the Affordable Care Act:
The Basics of the Affordable Care Act
A 60-minute webinar by Roberta Riportella from Kansas State University (7/18/13).
Affordable Care Act and Your Small Business
A 60-minute webinar by Marilyn Schlake and Carol Welte from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (10/10/13).
Farm Families and the Affordable Care Act
A 90-minute webinar by Barbara O’Neill (Rutgers University) and Roberta Riportella (Kansas State University) (10/18/13).
Affordable Care Act – Question and Answer Session
A 60-minute webinar by Barbara O’Neill (Rutgers University) and Roberta Riportella (Kansas State University) (12/2/13).
Other Affordable Care Act resources:
Affordable Care Act Resources for Educators
Affordable Care Act Resources for Farmers and Agricultural Producers
Affordable Care Act Resources for Small Businesses
Return to the Affordable Care Act main page
Disclaimer: The Affordable Care Act contains many complex rules. The materials provided here are for informational purposes. They are intended to help you gain a better understanding about the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act and how they may affect you. The materials are not intended to be a substitute for personalized, professional advice.