The PPACA (Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), or for shorthand, the “ACA”, is essentially a set of rules that all health insurance plans must follow in order to offer “compliant” plans.

Most plans offered in Colorado are ACA compliant, unless you have a grandfathered plan (purchased prior to March 23, 2010). ACA plans are commonly referred to as “Obamacare” plans.

Some examples of the rules are:

• No exclusions or limits on pre-existing conditions
• Must include prescription drug coverage, emergency transportation, and preventive care
• Premiums based only on age, zip code, and tobacco use

The ACA also created an option for people within certain income guidelines to receive tax credits to help pay for monthly premiums. You can take these tax credits up front monthly or annually when you file your tax return. More information on tax credits can be found here.