Federal subsidies will help people offset the cost of health insurance premiums as long as their incomes are no more than 400 percent of the federal poverty level. The amount of the subsidy will vary based on income and other factors. The federal poverty level changes over time, but it is currently $22,050 for a family of four, so a person or family making four times that amount ($88,200) or less would be eligible for the subsidy.

Part of health care reform is an expansion of Medicaid (a program through which state and federal governments provide health insurance for the poor and disabled). Beginning in 2014, people who make no more than 133 percent of the federal poverty level can receive Medicaid.

Health insurance "high risk pools" are government-based programs that offer an alternative coverage option to individuals who fit certain health criteria, do not have access to group health insurance and are unable to purchase individual coverage.

Under health care reform, a $5 billion federal program was created to form temporary high risk pools for people who cannot buy health insurance because of a pre-existing condition. The program will make available subsidized coverage until other parts of health care reform take effect to allow individuals to buy insurance.

North Carolina has operated its own state-based high risk pool through Inclusive Health since 2007. As of July 1, 2010, Inclusive Health is separately operating the federal program as well. Learn more about the program.