Share Your Health Care Story

As we approach the one year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I wanted to hear from you and learn more about how the enactment of this historic law has affected you, your family or friends.

The health insurance reform law was a major step forward in providing affordable, quality care for all, and put important consumer protection provisions in place. For instance, if we become sick, insurance companies are no longer able to cancel our coverage. Additionally, they cannot put a lifetime limit on our health insurance coverage benefits, which often causes the loss of coverage at the moment that people need it the most. Insurance companies are also being held accountable for unreasonable rate hikes. But these important provisions are just the beginning of what the law has reformed and provided for so many of us, and many more tangible benefits will be coming soon.

If you are a small business owner, since last year you have been eligible for a tax credit of up to 35% of your payment of your employeesand#39; health insurance. This eligibility will continue through 2014 and the tax credit will increase up to 50% in the coming years.

If you are a young adult, you are now able to stay on your parentsand#39; health insurance up to age twenty-six, without any rate increases or coverage reductions.

If you are a parent, you no longer have to worry about your children being denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

If you are a senior, you have seen the Medicare Prescription Drug coverage gap begin to close and have been provided relief from expensive drug payments. You have also been provided with free preventive care services through Medicare, to keep you healthier, longer.

I want to know, how have these things helped you? Please click here to e-mail me your story.

If you are unsure how the health care law may be helping you, please do not hesitate to call my office at (916) 498-5600, or visit www.matsui.house.gov/healthcare.