FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
So now that the waiting game is over for the Supreme Court decision regarding health coverage, what does this mean for you, the consumer?
Although nothing will change tomorrow, some consumers will see big changes by January first of 2014, when more aspects of the law take effect.
Andrew Tudman works as an editor for KMPH news, like most part time workers he doesn't qualify for health insurance.
He's also a diabetic, and depends on insulin.
Like many across the country he is wondering how this health insurance mandate will affect him.
Andrew Tudman says, "I'd really like to know if this is going to benefit me or hurt me."
Right now, Andrew says he can make ends meet but if he's required to carry insurance or pay a penalty it could break him.
Andrew Tudman says, "Working 38 hours a week, and doing side jobs doing photographer. I can cover rent, cover food and the already existing costs of prescriptions, but 6 to 800 dollars more is unbearable."
Health insurance companies are still working out the details. What is certain, most of the mandates don't start until the year 2014.
By then tens of millions of Americans are expected to get insurance coverage.
The penalty for not having insurance will start at $95.00 a year or up to 1 percent of a person's income, whichever is greater.
Andrew like many are hoping for the best.
Andrew Tudman says, "I'd love to know if it's going to cost me in addition to my prescriptions or if I get someone to magically cover me. If I pay them 600 dollars then I get my insulin free."
One item in Andrew's favor, insurance companies will have to sell coverage to everyone, regardless of their medical history, and will have to restrict how much they vary premiums based on age.
Some health insurance companies say people who buy policies without the help of an employer could get a better deal by being able to shop on the exchanges, where comparing plans will be easier than before.
