VIDEO: How Health Reform Really Works

Ellen-Marie Whelan, NP, PhD, the Senior Health Policy Analyst and Associate Director of Health Policy at the Center for American Progress (CAP), explains how the recently passed health care reform bill will give Americans better care and reduce the deficit.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THE WEB FOR HEALTH CARE REFORM LAW

The New Health Care Law and You (AARP)
A summary of provisions relating to Medicare, the Medicare Part D "donut hole", Medicare Advantage plans and other aspects of the law that applies to senior citizens and Medicare patients. Go to AARP's site.

Health Reform (KFF)
A full summary of all provisions, a premium subsidy calculator, and in-depth discussions of implementation. Go to the Kaiser Family Foundation's site.

Interactive: What Will Health Reform Do For You? (HCAN)
Health Care for America NOW has a new feature on the homepage of their website dedicated to answering this question. The interactive tool lays out the benefits of health reform for people depending on their insurance status - and when those benefits go into effect. Go to HealthCareForAmericaNow.org.

Understanding the New Law (Families USA)
Numerous materials and issue briefs that discuss specific aspects of the legislation, such as , as well as materials designed to help you talk about the many ways that health reform will positively affect millions of Americans. Go to Families USA's site. Visit their blog, Stand Up for Health Care.

Health Reform is a Good Deal for States (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)
A podcast discussion on how reforms to the private insurance market are a good deal for all states. Go to CBPP's site or download the mp3 of this podcast here.

For Seniors and Retirees (WhiteHouse.gov)
The new law will help many older Americans keep their health insurance when they retire, through an early retiree reinsurance program available to businesses starting June 2010.

• Fact Sheet: Early Benefits from the Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PDF)


• Fact Sheet: Health Reform for Seniors (PDF)

For Young Adults (WhiteHouse.gov)
As part of the new health reform legislation, young adults will be able to stay on their parents' health insurance plans until age 26. More details at the WhiteHouse.gov site here.

Timelines for Health Care Reform Implementation (The Commonwealth Fund)

• Health Insurance Provisions
• System and Delivery Reform Provisions
• Revenue Provisions

HealthReform.gov (HHS)
A site run by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) with information on the new law, which is frequently updated. Go to HealthReform.gov.

DO YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT REFORM?

To help you find out what reform means for you, we'll be answering your questions about health care reform online. Submit your question via our online form..

* Answers to your questions will be posted on SEIU.org here on a weekly basis.