Affordable Care Act coverage mandate not a concern for service members Published Oct. 9, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The health insurance exchange mandate of the Affordable Care Act has been formally implemented Oct. 1 via the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov . According to a recent article by the Air Force Personnel Center, the new law stipulates that most Americans get health coverage in 2014 or face a penalty. This law is not a concern for those who are already enrolled in a healthcare plan, like military members or civilian Airmen who are covered under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, Medicare, TRICARE and Children's Health Insurance Program, said Kathryn Iapichino, Air Force Personnel Center. TRICARE health plans meet the minimal essential coverage requirements of the ACA, said Capt. Christopher Ogren, 92nd Medical Group TRICARE Operations Flight Commander. However, separating Airman will need to consider their coverage options, said Ogren. The transitional health plans offered by TRICARE meet ACA requirements, but are only available for a limited time prior to separation. Visit www.tricare.mil/aca/ for more information. Fairchild civilians who are not covered by TRICARE or another health care program should visit www.healthcare.gov to investigate obtaining health insurance by 2014. For more information, go to the U.S. Deparment of Health and Human Services website at www.hhs.gov/healthcare; or the Internal Revenue Service website at www.irs.gov/uac/Questions-and-Answers-on-the-Individual-Shared-Responsibility-Provision