Navigating health care reform: A guide to the Affordable Care Act

Are you ready?

The most contentious piece of federal health reform legislation – a requirement that every person have health insurance by next year or face tax penalties – has begun. It is officially named the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, although some groups refer to the legislation as just the Affordable Care Act, ACA or "Obamacare." The enrollment period began October 1 and runs through March 31. Many Michigan residents will be able to buy insurance through the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace, an online exchange where the coverage may be more affordable.

From the Detroit Free Press Health Care Reform 2014 Decision Guide for March Final countdown for Michiganders to get health coverage this year March 31 closes the first open enrollment of the centerpiece of the 2010 Affordable Care Act signed four years ago: health coverage for millions of Americans at a discounted price. • Overwhelmed? Here are some tips as you look for health insurance • Whom to ask for help depends on what you need • Get help with Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace enrollment • Highlights of plans offered by 13 insurers on state exchange • Those who don't get health insurance face penalties • Not eligible for tax credits? You could find a better deal off the exchange • From tax credits to canceling policies, reader questions answered • Already have health insurance at work? Basic questions answered • 470,000 Michiganders will be eligible for expanded Medicaid; here's what to know

From the Detroit Free Press Health Care Reform 2014 Decision Guide for February Experts answer your questions about health reform Over the past months, the Free Press has turned to experts to help answer your questions about health reform. Here's a recap. Still confused? Drop us an e-mail at healthreform@freep.com. • All policies must include 10 essential benefits • Deadline looms for those seeking health coverage under Affordable Care Act • Reminder: Not buying health insurance could cost you, too • Find help and advice to enroll for health care insurance • Fine print in policies stunning some consumers • Not eligible for a tax credit? Competitive policies can be found off the exchange • Michiganders await decision on when Medicaid expansion will start • Some highlights of plans offered by the 13 insurers on state exchange

From Signature Media Health Care Reform 2014 Decision Guide for January It's not too late to sign up March 31 is the last day to enroll in a plan for 2014 coverage, something 80 percent of uninsured adult Americans are unaware of, according to a recent Enroll America survey. • It's not too late to know these enrollment dates • 5 FAQs on enrollment, deadlines, and subsidies • Affordable Care Act Basics: Tips for enrolling and avoiding penalties • Affordable Care Act | Insider insight: Detroit Medical Center • Preventive care: What the ACA covers for children, adults • New Year, new requirements, and the ACA: Are You Covered? • St. John Providence: Patients and the Affordable Care Act • Affordable Care Act | Insider Tip: Saint Joseph Mercy Health System • Affordable Care Act | Insider Tip: Priority Health System

From Signature Media Health Care Reform 2014 Decision Guide for December Health and Wellness Expo Offers Expert Advice, Healthy Living Tips HAP will host a free Health Care and Wellness Expo for those with questions about the Affordable Care Act. • Insider tip: consider more than just premiums • Answers to Frequently Asked Affordable Care Act Questions

From Signature Media Health Care Reform 2014 Decision Guide for November What you need to know before you enroll in an Affordable Care Act plan What do you need to know before looking at your options for enrolling in a plan? Melissa Lehner, strategic health care reform manager, HAP, answers these frequently asked questions. • ACA: How to choose a doctor and hospital • How much can I expect to pay for an Affordable Care Act plan? • Where to find help signing up for Affordable Care Act plans • 4 metal levels of coverage for Affordable Care Act plans • Essentials: 10 things every Affordable Care Act plan must cover • How to apply for a Affordable Care Act marketplace plan • ACA: Information you need to choose a health care plan and enroll • Preventative care: Learn what's covered for children and adults under Affordable Care Act • Health insurance terms you need to know for Affordable Care Act • How it works: Understand how the Affordable Care Act operates

From the Detroit Free Press Health Care Reform 2014 Decision Guide for September Answers to questions about buying insurance under the Affordable Care Act Here are answers to questions you might have about purchasing insurance to meet the requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act. • Navigating health care reform: From tax credits to benefits, here's everything you need to know • 10 essential benefits every insurance policy must offer • Need help getting enrolled in the health care exchange? Find a free session in your county • Preventive services must be covered in efforts to cut down on sickness and cost • The what, when, who and where of Michigan insurance marketplace • Law defines who's a smoker, and if you are one, it will cost you • Penalties loom for those who ignore health care reform rules, unless they get an exemption • Confused? Medicare health insurance policies won't be on Michigan's exchange • How to avoid health care law con artists