On March 23rd 2010, President Obama made history by signing the most progressive health care reform legislation since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). While the law remains politically charged despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold its constitutionality in June 2012, it’s here to stay, which will become more evident in the coming months. Changes have been quietly taking place over the past three years, but “the best” is yet to come. The Health Insurance Marketplace will go live on October 1, 2013, and as of January 1, 2014, all Americans will be required to enroll in health insurance or face a financial penalty. Many more individuals will become eligible for Medicaid, although several states (including Indiana and Kentucky) are still in negotiation with the federal government to work through the details. Monitor www.wordsforgood.com/blog/ for updates regarding health care reform.
