The Obama administration moves forward to implement provisions in the health care law that would make it illegal for insurance companies to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions. The provisions of the Affordable Care Act also would make it easier for consumers to compare health plans and employers to promote and encourage employee wellness.

The Obama administration issued:

• A proposed rule that, beginning in 2014, prohibits health insurance companies from discriminating against individuals because of a pre-existing or chronic condition.


  Read the Proposed Rule [PDF – 332 KB] | Read the HealthCare.gov Fact Sheet
• A proposed rule outlining policies and standards for coverage of essential health benefits, while giving states more flexibility to implement the Affordable Care Act. Essential health benefits are a core set of benefits that would give consumers a consistent way to compare health plans in the individual and small group markets.


  Read the Proposed Rule [PDF – 428 KB] | Read the HealthCare.gov Fact Sheet
• A proposed rule implementing and expanding employment-based wellness programs to promote health and help control health care spending, while ensuring that individuals are protected from unfair underwriting practices that could otherwise reduce benefits based on health status.
  Read the Proposed Rule [PDF – 331 KB] | Read the HealthCare.gov Fact Sheet