What Healthcare Really Means for You

        Sending uproar through the country, the Supreme Court upheld the health care reform that citizens affectionately dub Obamacare. Now that the polarizing issue has been settled, citizens remain confused as to what comes next. Obamacare will influence more than just health insurance. Here’s how the court’s ruling will affect consumers:

1

.Health Insurance ceases to be optional

At the center of the polarizing bill, lies the issue of constitutionality and whether the government should posses the power to mandate its people to purchase things. The health care bill specifies that everyone must obtain health insurance by 2014. For all those who plan to rebel, there will be consequences. If one does not obtain insurance by 2014, he or she will be fined $95 or 1% of income, whichever is higher. It will cost $285 per every rebellious household or 1% of income, and will continue to increase every year.

2

.Bill affects everyone, not just the uninsured

While many employees are covered through their employer’s benefits, that will change. The bill will mandate that workers at companies with fewer 50 employees will have to obtain their own insurance. On the other hand, companies with 50 or more employees must offer insurance by 2014.

3

.Discrimination no more against preexisting conditions

Sleep Apnea, Diabetes, Depression? There’s coverage for that. The law guarantees coverage for patients with preexisting conditions that companies frequently reject.