On March 23, 2010, the President signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) into law. Additionally, the President signed the Health and Education Reconciliation Act which made amendments to PPACA. Together, these two acts are referred to as the Affordable Care Act. Some of the most significant changes included the Affordable Care Act as outlined below.
- Federal High Risk Pool: The Federal High Risk Pool was one of the first items implemented from the Affordable Care Act. The high-risk pool covers South Dakotans who are uninsurable due to pre-existing health conditions and who have been without health care coverage. Learn more about the Federal High Risk Pool.
- Insurance Changes: The Affordable Care Act required several insurance changes to take effect at the start of the plan year beginning on or after September 23. Learn more about these short-term insurance changes.
- Health Insurance Exchange: The Affordable Care Act requires each state to have a health insurance exchange in place by 2014. According to the Act, an exchange is meant to be a one-stop shopping place where people can purchase coverage. Learn more about the Health Insurance Exchange.