(The Health Care Marketplace is Now Open for 2015 first appeared in the Public Opinion Newspaper in November 2014. To read it online, visit www.publicopiniononline.com.) The Health Care Marketplace is now open for enrollment for 2015. Pam Hutchison, supervisor of Outreach and Enrollment at Keystone Health, shares what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act.
Affordable care
The Affordable Care Act is a law that puts individuals, families, and small business owners in control of their health care. Although many Americans have health insurance offered through their employer, those without insurance coverage or adequate coverage will be able to choose the insurance coverage that works best for them in a new open, competitive insurance marketplace.
Healthcare.gov
The official website that people looking for health insurance can go to create an account, apply for, and purchase health insurance online is www.healthcare.gov. Open enrollment is the only time of year that you can shop for and purchase insurance unless you’ve experienced a significant life event that qualifies you for a special enrollment time period.
Open enrollment
The open enrollment period for health care coverage in 2015 began November 15, 2014 and will end February 15, 2015. The cost of the plans varies due to size of household, age, and household income and there are programs available to provide discounts or assistance with payment. If you do not obtain coverage for a period longer than three months, you will be subject to a fee.
Other options
Although there are many options to help afford your coverage in the Marketplace, some people may qualify for other programs to obtain health insurance. You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) at any time of year. If you qualify for these services, coverage can begin immediately.
You’re covered
All private health insurance plans offered in the Marketplace will offer the same set of essential health benefits including: ambulatory services, emergency services, hospitalization, maternity and newborn care, mental health services, prescriptions, rehabilitative services, lab services, preventive and wellness services, and pediatric services.
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