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(80 percent for individual or small group plans).
• • By October 1, 2012, plans must begin adopting rules for the secure electronic exchange of health information - this will reduce paperwork, costs and medical errors.
• • By January 1, 2013, new federal funding will be in place to state Medicaid programs that choose to cover preventive services to patients at little or no cost.
• • By October 1, 2013, states will receive two additional years of funding to

continue coverage for children not eligible for Medicaid.
• Effective January 1, 2014, most key provisions will be in place. For example:
• • Individuals and those whose employers don't offer health insurance will be able to buy it directly from state-based Affordable Insurance Exchanges, which will offer a choice of health plans that meet certain benefits and cost standards.
• • Most who can afford basic health coverage will be required to obtain it or pay a fee to offset the costs of caring for uninsured Americans.
• • Americans earning less than 133 percent of the poverty level will be eligible to enroll in Medicaid.
• • Refundable tax credits will be available to those earning between 100 and 400 percent of the poverty level to help pay for affordable insurance. They also may qualify for reduced copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
• • Annual coverage dollar amount limits will be prohibited.
• • Adults will no longer be refused coverage due to preexisting conditions.
• • Insurance companies will no longer be able to charge higher rates to individuals and small groups due to gender or health status.
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• These are only a few of the many healthcare changes we'll see as a result of the Affordable Care Act. To learn more, please visit www.HealthCare.gov.
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• Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.
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