There are a lot of different opinions flying around regarding the Affordable Act Reform or Obamacare. It’s already difficult to understand all the new changes in the healthcare reform and then you have people pushing their views onto you. However, if you know the basis of what the health reform is then you can find out what works for you. Here are some facts to help you understand the healthcare reform.

The healthcare reform affects people in every stage of life; infant, young adult, adult, senior etc. Since infants or pre-teens don’t have the means to purchase health insurance, their parents will be required to have health insurance in 2014. Family health care will change drastically. Health insurance companies can no longer deny or exclude coverage to any child under age 19 based on a pre-existing condition. In addition, the essential benefits required in new plans; vision and dental coverage for children, during pregnancy and newborn care.

Another age group, young adults, is significantly affected by the healthcare reform. Young adults are now allowed to be under their parent’s or legal guardian’s health insurance up to the age of 26 (depending on the state), even if they are no longer in college. If their job does not offer it, then they can purchase affordable health insurance through the Market Place. Also, if anyone is unemployed or makes less than 15,000 per year, then Medicare will be available for them in year 2014.

For seniors, it means more services with an emphasis on wellness and prevention. However, there will be an average premium, out-of-pocket cost and benefit changes in Medicare. Each year, Medicare recipients won’t have a co-pay for a wellness check-up. Also, offering a 50% discount on the total cost of brand named prescriptions to solve the coverage gap in Medicare Class D. However, in Medicare Advantage plan; premiums may rise, have fewer services, and higher out-of-pocket costs. This is the result of new law reducing funding by 200 billion and individual payments to Medicare.

These are some basic, but important things to know about the health reform. By knowing some information, you can better choose your health insurance.  There is more to learn about the health reform. However, by knowing the basics your opinion will not be swayed by propaganda either for or against the reform.