Health Care Reform
What Does the Affordable Care Act Mean for You and Your Family?
Since 1945, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming has been trusted to offer superior health care coverage to residents and businesses in Wyoming even when challenged with rapid changes in medical care and insurance.
Our experience and firsthand knowledge of Wyoming’s unique health care environment keeps us at the forefront of what’s happening and allows us to adapt quickly.
You and your family’s secure and reliable coverage continues to be our top priority. We remain committed to you.
For us, it’s more than insurance—It’s trust. Rest assured, we will continue to protect your health with insurance that covers you when and where you need it.
What's the Affordable Care Act?
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as the Affordable Care Act or ACA, was signed into federal law in March 2010, as part of Health Care Reform. The intent of the law was to decrease the number of uninsured Americans, improve the quality of care, and enhance patient safety.
The law currently includes the following:
Extended Coverage for Young Adults
Children are allowed to stay on their parent's’ plan until they turn 26 years old.
Free Preventative Care
Plans must cover certain preventive services such as mammograms and colonoscopies without any patient out-of-pocket costs.
Small Business Health Insurance Tax Credit
Eligible small businesses may use tax credit to help provide insurance benefits to their employees.
Elimination of Lifetime Limits
Lifetime dollar limits on essential health benefits are no longer allowed.
Individual Requirement to Have Insurance
U.S. citizens and legal residents were required to have health insurance through the 2018 coverage year or pay a penalty. The mandated penalty is not in effect for the 2019 coverage year and thereafter.
Health Reform Implementation Timeline
Subsides & Tax Credits
Many low-income individuals and families are eligible for subsidies and tax credits to help cover the costs of purchasing health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also called the Exchange. It provides health insurance options and application assistance to those needing to purchase health insurance. Please visit Healthcare.gov for more information.
Health Insurance Marketplace / Exchange
The Health Insurance Marketplace, or Exchange, became available on October 1, 2013 as part of the Affordable Care Act. The Marketplace website for Wyoming residents is available through the federal government and open for shoppers to explore different plan options, apply for insurance coverage, and examine eligibility for cost assistance.
For more information, visit Healthcare.gov .
Resources
Check back regularly for new updates.
For Individuals & Families
Questions regarding healthcare reform? Contact your agent.
Reporting Health Insurance Information to the IRS
This tax season, find what you need to know about health insurance and your federal taxes at HealthCare.gov .
Other Resources
2025 Rate Justification for Affordable Care Act (ACA) products