The Affordable Care Act is comprehensive national health reform that goes into effect on January 1, 2014. With open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace beginning on October 1, there are several things you can do now to get ready. Enrollment will run through March 31, 2014.
There are existing programs through which you may be able to get coverage. Visit HealthCare.gov to learn more about insurance for adults up to age 26 and programs for people and children in families with limited incomes including Medicaid and CHIP.
Through the Marketplace, you will be able to choose a health plan that gives you the right balance of costs and coverage. You can be better prepared if you understand the types of coverage from which you will choose.
Make a list of questions you might have before it’s time to choose your health plan. For example, “Can I stay with my current doctor?” or “Will this plan cover my health costs when I’m traveling?” Make sure you understand how insurance works, including things like premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, co-payments, and coinsurance.
Gather basic information about your household income. To find out what you are eligible for, you will need income information such as what is on your W-2, pay stubs, or tax return. There will be different types of health plans to meet a variety of needs and budgets. You will need to figure out how much you want to spend on premiums each month.
Check with your employer to see if the company will offer health insurance in 2014. If not, you may need to get insurance through the Marketplace or from other sources in 2014.
Visit http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/insurance/index.html or https://www.healthcare.gov/ or call 1-800-318-2596. TTY users may call 1-855-889-4325.
Westchester Public Library, 200 W. Indiana Avenue, Chesterton, will provide informational programs about the ACA at the end of October.