As PPACA Deadlines Near, States Dawdle

To date, Connecticut is on the leading edge of ACA insurance reform implementation as the only state to pass legislation that addresses all seven of the new reforms. California is a close second, having passed legislation on six of the seven reforms.

Nine states—Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington—and the District of Columbia have passed laws or issued new regulations covering at least one of the seven new market reforms, The Commonwealth Fund says.

Collins says it's not too late for many states to get up to speed. Even if they can't, she says,  consumers won't be left to fend for themselves because the federal government will step in to enforce baseline provisions.

"The law is sweeping in terms of the new reforms to the individual and small group insurance markets which have made it so difficult for individuals and small businesses to get coverage over the last several years," Collins explains.