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The bulk of health reform law goes into effect four years from now, by 2014.

However, a number of key consumer protections go into effect today.

Gone are the days of insurers placing lifetime limits on medical costs, meaning people with serious, chronic conditions can't max out on coverage. Yearly limits go up to $750,000.

Insurers can also no longer cancel a policy due to illness or pre-existing conditions.

Children under 19 with pre-existing health problems are now guaranteed coverage, and parents can keep adult children on their health plans until they turn 26.

Moreover, some preventive care procedures like colonoscopes, mammograms, pre-natal exams and immunizations, will no longer require co-pays.

In New York, some of the rules were already law. For example, adult children in New York are guaranteed coverage up to age 29, and coverage cannot be taken away because you get sick. The state also prevents exclusions for pre-existing conditions for children.

Congressional Republicans are still vowing to try to repeal the new law, as part of their strategy to win back the House in the upcoming midterm elections.

"We will ensure access to affordable health care for those with pre-existing conditions, and lastly we will join with 70 percent of the American people that desire to ban federal funding for abortions," said Congressman Bill Cassidy of Louisiana.

Consumers whose insurance plan year begins in January will have to wait until then for the changes to take effect.