Introduction Obamacare, otherwise known as the ACA (Affordable Care Act), will significantly change major aspects of our healthcare system here in America. Undoubtedly, our current system has its problems, including health insurance and medical care costs that are increasing far too quickly (Pattron, 2013). Some might believe that chainsaws were used to solve problems that could possibly be fixed with a simple scalpel. Despite everything, our health system generally contained many more strengths than weaknesses. Considering the number of patients coming from various countries for treatment in the United States, the whole world sincerely agrees. However, despite the many strengths, changes have and will come that will affect everyone who seeks medical care in the United States. Pre-Existing Conditions One of Obamacare's main selling points during the health care reform debate was the need to establish insurance coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. terms. Starting in 2014, Obamacare will implement a policy called “guaranteed issue” that prohibits insurers from excluding people with pre-existing medical conditions from coverage (Senger, 2013). Because it may cause people to wait until they are sick to eventually buy insurance, Obamacare includes the "hated individuals" mandate that requires all Americans to buy health insurance or face a penalty. Considering that one in two Americans has a health condition considered a pre-existing health condition, Obamacare removing pre-existing health conditions is a huge deal. Prior to 2014, the law established a Pre-Existing Health Insurance Plan (PCIP). ) with the aim of funding new high-risk pools in each state,...... middle of paper ......sehold income less the first $10,150 for a single person or $20,300 for a couple married filing jointly. (Young, 2014). However, there are limits to the amount anyone can pay. The penalty is capped at the national average annual price of a “bronze” health insurance plan on the Obamacare exchanges, which is the lowest plan available. The IRS has not yet calculated what this amount will be, but the Tax Policy Center estimates it will be $3,600 for a single person and $11,000 for a family of four (Young, 2014). Penalties will increase starting next year and will be $695, or 2.5 percent of income in 2016 (Young, 2014). For those who can afford coverage but decide not to, they will see how expensive it can be. Although paying the penalties may be cheaper, you get nothing in return and are still responsible for paying your own medical bills.