There has been a long debate regarding the approval of health care reform. With the passing of the bill, consumers are concerned as to how their health insurance will be affected. The reform impact on each individual will vary depending on their personal situation.

The purpose of health care reform is to benefit uninsured Americans as well as those who receive employer health coverage. More specifically, the reform impact on health insurance coverage will prove beneficial to consumers as there will be minimal exclusions and no lifetime limitations. Those who are without insurance will able to acquire affordable coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions. Moreover, children cannot be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions and coverage for them will be extended.

Dependent children on health plans will continue to obtain coverage until they reach the age of 26. With the reform going into effect, young college students will not have to worry about getting expensive health insurance while in school. They can remain on their parents' plan unless they are employed with a company where they are eligible to receive health coverage.

The reform impact on small businesses will allow a tax credit of up to 35% of the insurance premium cost for employers. Individuals who have health insurance through their employer will be able to maintain coverage with lower premiums due to the tax credit. Employers' eligibility for the tax credit will be based on the amount of employees working for them and average salaries.

It is believed the health care reform will increase the number of insured individuals in America by up to 95%. An estimated 32 million people will be additionally covered through health insurance as a result of the reform impact. Along with health coverage, insured Americans will be able to take advantage of free wellness and prevention benefits as well.

With the health care reform set in place, those insured will have the freedom to choose their own health care provider. With the increased number of insured individuals resulting from the reform impact, more primary care providers will be needed. To ensure sufficient qualified providers, funded training programs will become available for physicians, nurses, and public health professionals.

Overall, the health care reform will have a positive effect on health insurance as it will allow more Americans to receive coverage benefits. As a penalty, by 2014 those who remain uninsured will be faced with paying a fee of up to $100, which will increase as much as 2.5% of their income each year afterwards. The purpose of the penalty resulting from the reform impact is to promote all Americans to get health insurance as it will become more affordable.