This is only partially true. In general, the new laws require employer group health plans to cover pre-existing conditions sooner by giving you credit for coverage under your former health plan. The law applies to most health plans. Pre-existing conditions limits will still apply. The laws do not affect all health insurance policies in exactly the same way.
Group policies have different rules than policies purchased by individuals.
As a consumer, you need to know what kind of plan you have and which laws apply to your plan. In general, most of the new laws cover group health plans only. Very few changes were made to individual health plans. Tax changes were also made to long-term care plans and medical savings accounts. Under any fully insured plan, the employer purchases coverage from an insurance company.