What role, if any, do HIPAA and the Affordable Care Act play in this scenario?

Margaret and Jeremy Tinsman were, so they thought in the prime of their life. Margaret was a homemaker and Jeremy was a successful used care salesman. Both were covered under a group healthcare plan through Jeremy’s employer. At 53, Jeremy had a debiliatating stroke, which left him completely paralyzed on his left side and unable to speak. Subsequently, Jeremy had to quit his job. What options are open to Margaret and Jeremy as far as health insurance in concerned? What role, if any, do HIPAA and the Affordable Care Act play in this scenario?