What is a Health Insurance Cost?
A health insurance cost refers to the amount of money an individual pays to an insurance provider for healthcare coverage. This includes deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Health insurance plans offered through state exchanges are regulated by the Affordable Treatment Act (ACA) and must comply with Area 1557.

How Area 1557 Affects Health Insurance Premiums Offered Via State Exchanges
Area 1557, also known as Obamacare, prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in any healthcare program or activity that receives government financial support. This includes health insurance premiums offered through state exchanges, which receive government financial support through tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for eligible individuals.
Under Area 1557, health insurance plans offered through state exchanges must provide language support services to individuals with limited English proficiency and accommodations for people with disabilities. They must also ensure equal access to healthcare services and benefits regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The penalties for non-compliance with Area 1557 can be severe. Violations may result in the loss of government funding, lawsuits, and fines. Health insurance plans offered through state exchanges that violate Area 1557 may also lose their accreditation and be prohibited from participating in future sales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is protected under Area 1557? Area 1557 protects individuals from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in healthcare programs or activities that receive government financial support.
- What are some examples of discrimination under Area 1557? Examples of discrimination under Area 1557 include denying or limiting healthcare services or benefits based on a person’s race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability; providing different healthcare services or benefits based on a person’s race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability; and harassing or intimidating individuals based on a person’s race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
- What are language support services? Language support services are provided to individuals with limited English proficiency to help them communicate effectively with doctors and understand their healthcare options. Examples of language support services include translation services, interpretation services, and multilingual materials.
- What are accommodations for people with disabilities? Accommodations for people with disabilities are modifications to policies, procedures, or practices necessary to ensure equal access to healthcare services and benefits. Examples of accommodations for people with disabilities include providing sign language interpreters, accessible examination tables, and alternative formats of materials.
- What should I do if I think I have been victimized? Suppose you believe you have been victimized in a healthcare program or activity that receives government financial support. In that case, you can file a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.
By adhering to Area 1557’s regulations, health insurance plans offered through state exchanges can ensure fairness and accessibility for all individuals, promoting a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.