WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court's health care decision will have sweeping ramifications for consumers, state officials, employers and care providers, including hospitals and doctors.

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court's health care decision will have sweeping ramifications for consumers, state officials, employers and care providers, including hospitals and doctors.

While some key features don't kick in until 2014, the law already has altered the health care industry and established a number of consumer benefits.

Here are some frequently asked questions about some of the law's provisions that are already up and running.

Q I understand that the Supreme Court is reviewing the health law. Will the ruling change my current insurance?

A The court's decision should have minimal impact on your current health insurance. But if the court strikes down the law, insurers might decide to change some provisions of your coverage that were mandated by the law, such as allowing an adult child to stay on your policy until age 26 and requiring insurers to provide some preventive services at no out-of-pocket cost to you.

Q I don't have health insurance. Will I have to buy it?

A Right now, you aren't required to have health insurance. But beginning in 2014, most people will have to have it or pay a fine -- unless the court rules otherwise. For individuals, the penalty would start at $95 a year or up to 1 percent of income -- whichever is greater -- and rise to $695 or 2.5 percent of income by 2016. For families the penalty would be $2,085 or 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is greater, by 2016.

Q What other parts of the law are now in place?

A Health plans can't cancel your coverage once you get sick -- a practice known as "rescission" -- unless you committed fraud when you applied for coverage. Children who have pre-existing medical conditions can't be denied coverage (this will apply to adults in 2014). Insurers have to provide rebates to consumers if they spend less than 80 to 85 percent of premium dollars on medical care.

Q I'm over 65. How does the legislation affect seniors?

A The law is narrowing a gap in the Medicare Part D prescription-drug plan known as the "doughnut hole." That's when seniors who've incurred a certain amount in prescription costs have to pay for all their drug costs until they spend a total of $4,700 for the year. Then the plan coverage begins again. The coverage gap is to close entirely by 2020. Seniors still will be responsible for 25 percent of their prescription drug costs. The law also expanded Medicare's coverage of preventive services, such as screenings for colon, prostate and breast cancer, which are now free. Medicare also will pay for an annual wellness visit to the doctor.

KAISER HEALTH NEWS.