Research Guides: Health Communication: Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Helpful Resources for Patients

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), otherwise known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, will take affect January 1, 2014, which is fast approaching, and it will change the way Americans access health insurance. However, many Americans may not have a clear understanding of what is changing and how it will affect them. The resources that are provided below are intended to help you and your clients better understand the new law.

Connect for Colorardo
The new health insurance marketplace, where consumers can find and enroll in health insurance starting October 1st, 2013.
Health Literacy and Patient Education Guide
This guide was created by the University of Colorado Health Science's Library and lists resources that may be helpful if your clients have questions about the ACA.
Helping Consumers Understand and Use Health Insurance in 2014
This excellent guide, from the Institute of Medicine, provides easy-to-read explanations on how insurance works and the different health insurance options people have once the law takes affect.
The Requirement to Buy Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act Flowchart
This flowchart from the Kaiser Family Foundation illustrate the requirements for the law.
Health Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act
Also, this from the Kaiser Family Foundation, this guide helps people determine the different ways people can get coverage.
Health Reform Law and Colorado
A video discussing some of the challenges Colorado faces as it implements its health insurance exchange
HealthCare.gov
A website created by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medical Services to help individuals, families, and small businesses understand what the insurance marketplace is, where to get health insurance, how to get coverage at lower costs, and what small businesses need to know

La Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio y Usted

CuidadoDeSalud.gov
HealthCare.gov in Spanish

Affordable Health Care Act and You/ La Ley del Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio y Usted
Power Point Presentation in Spanish about the ACA and how it affects consumers