Now that the 2012 US presidential election is over and the incumbent Barack Obama won – just- his health care reforms are now being pushed forward.

The reforms themselves do not come into force till 2014, but the federal government has released its health insurance plans which detail what is covered and what is not.

Seemingly, while the proposals are similar to those existing at the moment there are some substantial differences.

First off it is no longer legal to prevent anyone whom the insurer deems will potentially cost too much or whose treatment is costing too much. This has perhaps been the main bone of contention as many people who become seriously ill and need expensive treatment were either de-insured or their premiums were unaffordable.

Moreover there have been many cases were people with serious illnesses could no longer get or continue treatment because their insurance company refused to pay out.

President Obama promised 4 years ago that this sort of practice would be stamped out.

Speaking with reporters, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services said: “Insurers will not be able to charge someone more just because she is sick or because she used to be sick.”

While the new rules prevent insurers from not insuring people, the companies do have some discretion over how much more people will have to pay for their premiums.

Guidelines have also been published to help any employer who wants to offer wellness programmes. Referring to the major diseases such as cancer which were previously not covered or fully covered Ms Sebelius added: “In most states, these consumers can be denied individual health insurance coverage or have benefits for medical conditions excluded by insurance companies.

“In addition, individuals and small employers often find that they have few protections against exorbitant premiums increases.”

Finally the insurance rules have been strengthened to cover what are called essential health benefits including ambulance services, maternity and newborn care, mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioural health treatment and prescription drugs, to name a small number.

There are 10 areas in all.

Whether opposition to these reforms will finally stop cannot be said. The past year saw many different approaches to try and scupper the Obama health care plans.  All have failed.