What you should know about ObamaCare (Affordable Care Act):
ObamaCare has eliminated pre-existing conditions and gender discrimination meaning no one can be charged more or be dropped from their health insurance coverage for health or gender related reasons.
ObamaCare helps to ensure that health care coverage is available to any legal U.S. resident who cannot otherwise obtain “quality” healthcare through their employer. Your access to health care is no longer in the hands of health insurance companies.
The health insurance marketplace (also known as a Health Insurance Exchange) is an online price comparison website where Americans can shop for affordable quality insurance and receive cost assistance for lower premiums, reduced out-of-pocket costs, or even Medicaid. The website addresses are: www.CoveredCA.com (California), www.WAHealthPlanFinder.org (WA). For all other states, check www.HealthCare.gov.
Those making under 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) may qualify for cost assistance through the marketplace. Cost assistance is only available through your State’s marketplace.
Annual open enrollment Period is between 11/01 – 12/15. If you apply for your health insurance during the open enrollment period, your insurance coverage will be effective January 1 of the following year. Individuals may qualify for Special Enrollment Periods outside of Open Enrollment if they experience certain events. (See Special Enrollment Period and Qualifying Life Event on HealthCare.gov or your state’s Health Insurance Exchange website.)
ObamaCare improves the quality of care that Americans receive by providing better preventative and wellness services and raising the standards of basic health care coverage.
Employers with less than the equivalent of 25 full-time equivalent employees may qualify for tax credits, tax breaks and other assistance for insuring employees through the Health Insurance Marketplace.