The Affordable Health Care Act is Now Law!

After working closely with an extensive network of labor organizations and advocacy groups, we have secured the best possible health reform legislation for BAC members and the country. The work continues as federal agencies formulate the regulations on just how the Affordable Health Care Act will be implemented and enforced.

To ensure BAC’s voice in this process, IU President James Boland has appointed a BAC committee comprised of representatives of the International’s political, legal, communications, and health and welfare departments to work closely with the AFL-CIO and the three U.S. government agencies — Health and Human Services (HHS), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) — responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the new law. President Boland says, “Health care reform was the product of a great deal of coordination, some compromise, and a lot of hard work by BAC and our allies, but the effort is far from over. We’ll be working closely with the AFL-CIO and these agencies to ensure that the final regulations issued are in the best interests of BAC members, our Local and International funds and signatory employers. The process is moving very fast and we will continue to update you as regulations are issued.”

New HealthCare.gov
Provided by the Department of Health and Human Services, HealthCare.gov is the first central database of health coverage options, combining information about public programs, from Medicare to the new Pre-Existing Conditions Insurance Plan, with information from more than 1,000 private insurance plans. Consumers can receive information about options specific to their life situation and local community. HealthCare.gov will be a one-stop-shop for information about the implementation of the Affordable Care Act as well as other health care resources.  The website will help consumers take control of their health care by connecting them to new information and resources that will help them access quality, affordable health care coverage.

What Does Health Care Reform Mean for You?

For information on Medicare improvements under the new law, visit www.medicare.gov and click on “What’s New.”