Californians should be aware of the many changes to health policy resulting from the Affordable Care Act. Many of these changes have already taken affect, while others are scheduled between now and 2014. California health insurance is being made more affordable, more available, and improved for better consumer protection and patient care.

The new health policy predicts that by the year 2014, 94% of Californians will be covered by health insurance. This is a vast improvement, and telling of the changes to come. Affordability is the most likely reason someone remains uninsured. If the name doesn't give it away, the Affordable Care Act is highly focused on cost.

Improvements that affect almost everyone include better resources to compare insurance rates between providers. In addition to comparison, further steps have been taken to expose providers with unfair rates. These measures hope to control pricing as well as provide people with the best ways possible to get the rates and insurance that meets their needs.

Some of the biggest improvements come by way of increasing insurability of unhealthy individuals. Many changes call for less denial of coverage, and completely exclude children from being denied for pre-existing conditions. These changes can make a huge difference for Californians and their families.

Other improvements affecting California health insurance include eliminating lifetime and annual insurance payouts. This can be a huge improvement for someone facing a chronic illness or serious injury.

For those of who have medical issues and are being denied coverage prior to 2014, California has set up a temporary line of assistance based on standard rates of current market, and without lifetime and annual payout limits.

The Affordable Care Act plans to initiate more insurance availability by allowing considerable tax credits for small businesses offering health insurance. Larger employers will be held accountable for not providing proper insurance, and subject to large financial penalties. These measures are likely to make a serious difference to many Californians.

Health insurance benefits will also be considerably extended for children. These extensions include increasing the age of coverage for children under their parents plan to the age of 26. Also better preventative care plans are being added at no cost.

Senior citizens will see changes for the better in their care and cost as well. Those who exceed their prescription coverage costs will receive rebates to offset their money out of pocket, and lower cost medical attention, as well as preventative care will be provided.

The many health policy changes from the Affordable Care Act affect everyone from children to the elderly. It's in the best interest of Californians to understand the new laws for California health insurance.