Affordable Care Act - OCHIA

Human Resources Administration-Office of Citywide Health Insurance Access


Affordable Care ActInsurance RightsHealth Care Rights


Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act is also known as the federal health care act and "Obamacare." The Affordable Care Act protects you in many ways when it comes to your health insurance:

Affordable Care Act protections for you

Insurance plans must cover you if you have a pre-existing condition (like cancer, or pregnancy), and they can't charge you more because of it.

Preventive care, like check-ups and shots, is free under most health insurance plans.

Young adults under age 26 may be able to stay on a parent's health insurance plan. Learn more about options for young adults.

Health insurance companies can't charge women more money than men.

Insurance companies can't put a limit on how much they will spend on your care in a year or during the entire time you are on their plan.

Insurance companies can't cancel your plan when you get sick.

Insurance companies can't discriminate based on your race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

Visit the federal Healthcare.gov website to learn more about your Affordable Care Act rights
Learn about more health insurance rights for New Yorkers
Learn about your health care rights

Your Responsibilities under the Affordable Care Act

Individual Insurance Responsibilities

You no longer have to pay a fee for not having health insurance when you file your taxes. Beginning January 1, 2019 and beyond, taxpayers are still required by law to have minimum essential coverage or qualify for a coverage exemption. However, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, you no longer need to make a shared responsibility payment or file Form 8965 with your tax return if you don’t have minimum essential coverage.

Visit the IRS website to learn more about your responsibility to have insurance.

Learn more about exemptions

Employer Insurance Responsibilities

Under the Affordable Care Act, most employers with at least 50 full time employees must offer health insurance to their employees or pay a fee.

Visit the IRS website to learn more about employer responsibilities to offer health insurance.

There are many reasons to offer insurance to your employees, even if you are not required to.

Learn more about insurance options for small businesses