As you have no doubt read or heard, in March 2010, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama. Some key elements of this comprehensive healthcare reform law are already in place, with the majority of the changes in the way Americans receive and pay for their healthcare coming in 2014. Here are some of the main components of the law: Health insurance exchanges will be set up in each state for consumers to comparison shop for insurance. All Americans will have to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny insurance based on pre-existing medical conditions. Preventative care will become free, including such routine tests as mammograms and colonoscopies. Young people will be able to stay on their parent's insurance until they turn 26. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage based on technicalities. Tax credits will be provided to eligible small businesses that offer health insurance to their employees. A gap in prescription drug coverage for those on Medicare will be closed.

As the media has also reported, many elected officials and healthcare consumers oppose Obama's healthcare reform bill and have called for its repeal. Many think it amounts to a government takeover of the healthcare system, which they say is antithetical to American values. The constitutionality of the law is also being challenged in the courts, particularly the provision that requires all Americans to buy health insurance. The Obama administration and its supporters counter these arguments by saying that the benefits of the law far outweigh any negatives, and that in addition to insuring millions that do not presently have health insurance, it will save Americans and the healthcare system from ever-rising and burdensome costs.

What does this mean for you' The key thing to know is that the health insurance system in this country is in a state of flux, and the final outcome may not be decided for many years. Therefore, when it comes to health insurance, it behooves you to not only prepare for the future, but to also be mindful of the present. Do your research and find out what type of coverage you need and can get now and how much it is going to cost you at sites like www.quotewhizhealth.com collect health insurance quotes from a number of providers, shop carefully through the different benefit offerings, and buy the coverage that best suits your needs instead of the coverage that others say you need. Above all, make sure you have the right healthcare plan in place for you and your family now, and be prepared to adapt when and if the healthcare landscape changes.

Having the right health insurance coverage is one of the most crucial aspects of maintaining your physical, mental and financial health. Going forward, stay abreast of healthcare news and developments to make sure the choices you make are wise ones.