In 2008, Iowa passed health care reform legislation that eliminated pre-existing conditions and allowed parents to keep their children on their insurance plans up to and through the year they turned 25.

Two years ago, President Barack Obama signed into law the sweeping health care reforms of the Affordable Care Act. That is something to celebrate. Finally, many Iowans will no longer go without access to affordable, quality health coverage.

Many of these reforms are already benefitting Iowa’s young people today. Most notably, if you are under the age of 26, you are able to remain on your parents’ health plan.

Currently, 2.5 million people nationwide are finding the guarantee of coverage in uncertain times. Young adults do not need to worry about getting sick while they search for employment following college graduation or racking up health care-related debt before they are financially established.

The Affordable Care Act also will provide protection for people with pre-existing conditions. Beginning in 2014, nobody seeking health insurance can be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition or illness. That means as many as 72,000 children nationwide who are dependent on their parents’ plan will gain coverage, and 90,000 will see an end to limitations to their benefits due to a pre-existing condition.

Women have many things to cheer for in these reforms. No longer will we be subject to higher charges on health policies based on gender alone. The law will put an end to insurance providers charging women higher premiums than what men pay. The Affordable Care Act also will allow the freedom to choose your own doctor.

These reforms also are a positive for Iowa. With federal grants through the Affordable Care Act, Iowa will receive an estimated $11.7 million dollars this fiscal year and $8.3 million in the next. These resources fund programs such as those promoting healthier Iowa communities and providing outreach to empower health care consumers.

The Affordable Care Act is already providing for Iowans after two years and it will continue to do so after it fully takes effect in 2014. Iowans will no longer be denied coverage due to a pre-existing medical condition. Our young adults can breathe easier knowing their health coverage remains. And Iowa’s women will pay less to access health care. These are among the benefits we can look forward to thanks to the health care reform.