So this is actually really huge to be honest.
This is the best explanation for how it works.
It might not seem like its all that big of a deal, but it really is. This site here uses open SSL, most sites use Open SSL. When I say most, the current estimate is upwards of 60% of the worlds websites.
Does this mean you need to worry about your banking passwords and online bill payment crap? Truthfully, yes you do.
Does this mean you need to run out and change all your passwords right now? No it doesn't, and here is why. This is NOT a quick fix, this is a huge endeavor, this is a huge amount of work, and most websites are not being open about how and when they are dealing with this issue.
Your best course of action here is to monitor all of your various accounts very closely for the next month. Take action as needed to keep yourself safe.
http://mashable.com/2014/04/09/heartbleed-bug-websites-affected/
That is a list of what we know as of yesterday was affected and what the companies are doing about it. Seriously, take the time to research it and see how it impacts you.
Again, this is a world wide issue, not just local to the US
Lastly, think about the pandora's box that was opened by announcing this. How many blackhatters out there didn't know about this, but as soon as it was announced, decided to jump on it and start scooping up all the data they could because companies are in a panic