Frequently Asked Questions

No. It is illegal for insurance companies to deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition. It the past you could be turned down because of a disability, a previous illness, a mental health diagnosis, or any number of other pre-existing conditions. Now private insurance companies have to sell the same insurance to everyone, regardless of whether they have pre-existing conditions. They cannot charge someone more for insurance based on health status.

No. It is very important to have health coverage, but starting in 2019 there is no tax penalty if you don't have coverage.

No. It is a common misunderstanding that the ACA created a government-run health care system. Actually, the ACA expanded the health care system that was already in place in the United States in order to create a system that makes coverage available to more Americans. The ACA has not drastically changed the structure of our nation’s health care system. You can think of this law as a patchwork solution that creates many patches to cover the gaps, rather than creating a brand new approach.

No. If you were already on Medicare before the ACA, your coverage didn't change. You can keep getting your Medicare coverage, and your benefits will stay the same, whether you are on Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

If you are just now enrolling in Medicare, you will get the same coverage that everyone else gets.

There is so much information out there, it can be hard to figure out what is correct or how to get your specific questions answered. Here are a few resources that you can count on to provide accurate and up-to-date information.

For general information on health care reform and the ACA, a good place to start is Health Reform information at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

For information on Minnesota’s health insurance marketplace, visit the MNsure.

For questions about your specific situation, Chat with a Hub expert.