The Affordable Care Act promises to make available health coverage for all eligible U.S. citizens. This brings to an end the era of selecting only the healthiest of clients to insure in order to maximize profits. As of January 1, 2014 all insurers will have to offer coverage to anyone applying for it as the law prohibits declining coverage for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Individual and family plans will be offered within the health insurance exchange, a large online marketplace offering a multitude of products under one roof, or outside of the exchange with additional private insurers. Should you decide to purchase a plan within the health insurance exchange in addition to a short medical application you will also need to complete a financial questionnaire. This will determine your eligibility for a premium subsidy. Subsidies are determined based on your modified adjusted gross income and will also determine whether or not you are eligible for Medi-Cal or Medicaid instead of a traditional metal level plan. Carriers outside of the exchange will not be offering premium subsidies and thus will require less paperwork.
You must be a United States citizen or legal resident in order to purchase coverage. Eligible residents will be required to obtain health coverage or pay a penalty. The fine will begin at 1% of your annual income or $95 per year (whichever is greater). This amount will be increased yearly up to 2.5% of annual income or $695 per year. The penalty concept was implemented as a means to discourage individuals from not obtaining health insurance unless they become ill or injured.
Levels of health insurance coverage:
You can read more about the plan levels here
Deadlines for Obtaining Coverage:
- Enrollment can begin as of October 1, 2013
- The effective date of coverage will be January 1, 2014
- You have until March 31, 2014 to enroll
If you miss the deadline you would have to wait until the following open enrollment (open 45 days per year). However, you can enroll outside of this period in the case of a “qualifying event”, such as divorce, marriage, the birth of a child, or the loss of employer sponsored coverage.
Health Exchange Quote agents are experienced on every aspect of the enrollment process, as well as the plan details for all levels of plans. With our expertise we will guide you through the plan selection and the application to guarantee you secure the coverage you need.
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