This post is the first in our series of guest entries marking the one-year anniversary of the passage of the health reform law.

This Wednesday, March 23rd, marks the first birthday of Health Care Reform -- the day the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law by President Obama. At the American Nurses Association- we think that is something to celebrate. And what's a first birthday without a party? That’s why we’re inviting nurses, other healthcare providers and consumers across the country to join us on Facebook for our virtual birthday party to mark the event.

Registered nurses and other concerned citizens nationwide fought to make the promise of quality, affordable health care a reality, by contacting members of Congress, testifying at hearings, attending rallies and events, and making their voices heard. The result; much-needed reforms that place a new focus on wellness and prevention, improve access to primary care, and expand coverage to over 30 million people.

As we mark this first anniversary, we’ve got so much to celebrate and much more to look forward to. After just one year, we’ve seen the law benefit millions of Americans, both young and old. 

• People cannot lose their insurance coverage when they get sick; insurance companies are prohibited from dropping coverage 

• Individuals with pre-existing health problems will be able to access insurance. Children with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage by insurance companies. 

• Consumers will not be at risk of losing benefits due to costly treatments; lifetime caps on insurance coverage are banned, annual caps on coverage are restricted. 

• Children up to age 26 can be covered on their parents’ insurance plans 

• Patients will have a greater choice of primary care providers 

• Most people with Medicare will be able to receive free preventive services, including flu shots, cancer screenings and diabetes testing.