ACP, AARP launch online guide to help inform consumers about health care law

American College of Physicians, AARP launch consumer-friendly guide to help people understand how the new law may affect them

Today, the American College of Physicians (ACP) and AARP launched an online guide to help inform consumers about the health care law. The guide is written and organized in a way that clearly explains what the law has changed, why these changes were made and when the changes will take effect.

ACP is encouraging its member doctors to download the guide- available at http://www.acponline.org/healthlawconsumerinfo - and make it accessible to patients.

"I want my patients to have the best information possible," said ACP President J. Fred Ralston, Jr., MD, FACP. "This guide lays out the changes brought about by the law and will help my patients and their family members make more informed decisions about their health care."

The guide is divided into sections focusing on people who already have health insurance, the uninsured and those who are having trouble finding coverage, and people in Medicare. It also includes information for people who are planning for their long-term care and small business owners.

"Health care is among the most important and personal issues facing our members and all Americans," said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. "As the new health care law rolls out over the next four years, we'll continue to make sure that people understand how it will affect them."