Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. “Providing clear, concise answers to countless questions about sweeping health care reform signed into law by President Obama in early 2010, Nather, a senior writer for Congressional Quarterly, has created an indispensible guide. From changes in Medicare and Medicaid to issues of long-term care, from health insurance exchanges to financial assistance for premiums, Nather’s handbook addresses all essential topics in a manner more thorough than anything provided so far by news sources. With easy-reference headings, tables for coverage dates, numerous web and phone resources for further facts, and more, this will be a valuable resources in the coming years as the law’s changes roll into effect. In addition to the mechanics of reform, Nather addresses preventive care, medical decision-making, cost-cutting, and even paying for health care reform. His efficient, humorous, nonpartisan prose — succinct yet highly detailed — makes this an indispensable guide for anyone unsure of what ‘The Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act’ will mean to them.”

Booklist

“In this clearly written primer on health-care reform, former Congressional Quarterly writer Nather explains how insurance works, what the big changes are, and when everything will happen. It’s a conversational guide that tells readers how to sign up for Medicare, and what to do if they’re uninsured, or if they work for a small business versus a large company. Readers won’t find comments from policy wonks, politicians, or even real people. This is a nonpartisan, just-the-facts book, which as Nather (not an unabashed booster of reform) explains, is an overview of how the system will work if everything in the law goes according to plan. Nather’s book, which includes a useful glossary, provides an excellent snapshot of how the post-reform health-care system should work as it stands now. It may quickly go out of date as Congress continues to tweak legislation, but it’s a good and necessary resource, and with any luck Nather will produce a sequel as needed.”