Fact Sheet: What the Health Care Law Does Now for People Age 50 to 64

by: Education & Outreach | from: AARP | January 2011

If you are between the ages of 50 and 64, the new health care law benefits you in several ways. It makes it easier to get health insurance and helps make it more affordable. The law also aids small business owners and supports early retirees. The following benefits are in place now.

The Health Law and You

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Through educational fact sheets, live webinars, and the question-and-answer series "Health Care Reform Explained," AARP has the information you need.

Makes it easier to obtain health insurance

• If you have been uninsured for at least six months and have a pre-existing condition, you are now able to get coverage. This coverage — called the Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan — is available in your state now. It will continue until the exchanges start in 2014.

Makes coverage more affordable

• People with new insurance plans get access to free preventive care. This includes services such as mammograms, immunizations and screenings for cancer and diabetes.

• Small businesses can get tax credits to help buy health insurance. This applies to businesses with fewer than 25 employees whose average wage is below $50,000.

Expands coverage for children and young adults

• If your plan covers dependents and your adult children do not have employer-sponsored insurance, you can include them on your insurance policy until they turn 26.

• Children under age 19 who have pre-existing conditions must be covered by insurance.

Helps protect early retirees

• If you are between 55 and 64 and have retiree health coverage through your work, you have added protection. New federal funds encourage your employer to continue offering health benefits until you become eligible for Medicare.

Improves insurance practices for all

• Insurance companies can’t drop your health coverage if you become sick. Your health insurance is guaranteed, as long as you pay your premiums.

• Insurance companies can no longer place lifetime limits on your health coverage. This change will ensure that your benefits won’t run out when you need them the most.