(The Health Care Marketplace Opens November 1 first appeared in The Public Opinion. Click here to read it online.) The Health Care Marketplace will open November 1st, 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 the new open, competitive insurance marketplace.
Healthcare.gov
The official website 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. It is important for each applicant to review and update their application annually, even if there are no changes. This will help avoid the potential loss of tax credits for the next enrollment year.
Open Enrollment
The open enrollment period for health care coverage in 2016 begins November 1, 2015 and will end January 31st, 2016. December 15, 2015 is the last day to enroll in or change plans for new coverage to start January 1, 2016. Changes to plans and additional options are available but the open enrollment period ends Jan 31. It is important for each applicant to review and update their application annually, even if there are no changes. This will help avoid the potential loss of tax credits for the next enrollment year.
A Plan for You
Plan cost varies due to size of household, age, and household income. 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. Although there are many options to help afford Marketplace coverage, some people may qualify for other programs for health insurance. You can apply for and enroll in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program at any time of year and coverage can begin immediately.
Thinking of Skipping Out?
If you choose to be uninsured, you’ll pay the higher of these two amounts: 2% of your yearly household income (the maximum penalty is the average premium for a bronze plan) or you will pay $325 per person for the year ($162.50 per child under 18) with a maximum penalty per family of $975. In 2016, the rates for uninsured will be even higher. Please contact your local Certified Assistance Counselors at 717-709-7969 for additional information and assistance.
