Health care reform bill 101: what the bill means to you

President Obama is set to sign the health care reform bill into law this week. But what is in it? What does it mean to you? The Monitor explains the bill in plain English.

The House of Representatives passed the health care reform bill Sunday night with a 219-to-212 vote. With the Senate already having passed the bill on Christmas Eve, it now stands ready for President Obama to sign into law, perhaps as early as Tuesday.

Many challenges remain, though. Attorneys general in 11 states have said they will challenge the constitutionality of the health care bill. Moreover, Democrats still want to make changes to the final bill after the fact.

The House has already passed this package of fixes – which would rein in some of the special deals made with senators last year. Now the Senate must pass the same package of fixes before Mr. Obama can sign them into law. To do that, the Senate will have to turn to the contentious and time-consuming process of reconciliation.

But the outlines of the bill are now clear. Here is the Monitor's comprehensive look at what is in the health care bill and how it might affect you.

Join the healthcare reform discussion on Facebook

Health Care Reform Bill 101:

Introduction: What the bill means to you

Part 1: Who must buy insurance?

Part 2: Who gets subsidized insurance?

Part 3: What's a health 'exchange'?

Part 4: How long will reform take?

Part 5: Who will pay for reform?

Part 6: What will it mean for business?

Part 7: What does it mean for kids and families?

Part 8: What does it mean for seniors?

Part 9: Rules for preexisting conditions

Part 10: Will it make health care more effective?