The national health reform that was signed into law six months ago contained an ambitious timetable for changing elements of the health care system. Some planned changes have already happened. But even more provisions took effect this week. Below is a collection of stories and resources to help you sort through the details.

Health Law’s 8 Changes That Begin Today – And 7 CaveatsÌý

Mary Agnes Carey

A set of new consumer protections are nowÌýinto effect. Here’s a guide to some of the changes – and some of the caveats. Keep in mind how they affect you will depend on what kind of insurance you have.

Kids With Preexisting Illness Get New Protection For Coverage But Hurdles Remain

Laurie McGinley and Mary Agnes Carey

The health law says insurers are no longer allowed toÌýdeny coverage to children with medical problems. But an important question is: How much will the coverage cost?

New Health Law’s Protections For Adult Children

Lisa Zamosky

The law requires that insurers, when they renew their plans, give parents the option of keeping adult children who are under 26 years old on their plans.

A Consumer’s Guide To The Health Law, Six Months In
Mary Agnes Carey

The new health reform law could affect people who get their coverage at work, buy their own health insurance or are enrolled in Medicare.

Key Health Law Provisions Begin Sept. 23
Michelle Andrews

Some insurers have already altered their plans to reflect the law. But now,Ìýa number of provisions become mandatory for insurance plans, including a ban on lifetime benefit limits and the ability to keep adult children on parents’ plans.

Health Overhaul Brings Ban On Lifetime Benefit Caps
Julie Rovner

Among the new provisions of the health law thatÌýis a ban on something most people don’t even know they have – a lifetime limit on benefits covered by their health insurance.

Retroactive Cancellation Now Banned
Julie Rovner

Among the provisions of the new law is a ban on the industry practice of revoking an insurance policy retroactively-after a policy holder has racked up hefty medical bills. But consumer advocates worry the practice could continue.

Additional Resources

— America’s Health Insurance Plans: Ìý(.±è»å´Ú)

— Center For Health Transformation (Newt Gingrich):

— The Commonwealth Fund: Ìý

— Consumers Union: Ìý(.±è»å´Ú)

— Department of Health and Human Services:

— Kaiser Family Foundation:

— Kaiser Family Foundation:

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