The cost of health insurance in the United States can be expensive, especially if your company does not provide it. If you’re shopping for options during the enrollment period this fall, checking health plans through the Affordable Care Act is a good way to start.
The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010 and is also known as Obamacare, and is designed to give more Americans access to affordable health insurance. The law also expands Medicaid and supports new medical delivery methods — such as ACA Health Homes — that aim to lower health care costs. President Joe Biden announced August 2 that more than 35 million Americans are enrolled in coverage related to the Affordable Care Act.
We’ll tell you when open enrollment for health plans under the Affordable Care Act begins and how to register with HealthCare.gov. For additional reading, here’s the best time to Start collecting your Social Security benefits.
What health insurance plans are available under the Affordable Care Act?
The state in which you live determines which health care providers you can use, assuming you qualify for the Affordable Care Act (see below). For each plan, you should see Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum options. Below is a breakdown of how each plan works.
Bronze: You’ll pay the lowest monthly premium, but you’ll pay more when it comes to paying for care. The Bronze deductible plan is generally much higher than the other options, so you’ll pay more out of your pocket until the deductible is met.
silver: This midstream coverage comes at a moderate monthly premium. It will cost you more than the bronze option, but the medical treatment costs will be less than if you went with the bronze plan.
He went: This plan includes a high monthly premium and low costs when you need health care. The lower discount means that the amount of medical costs you pay out of pocket will be much lower than the Bronze and Silver plans.
Platinum: The most expensive monthly premium gives you the lowest costs when it comes to medical care. Because the deductible is so low, your plan will start paying your medical costs sooner than any of the other options.
Deciding which plan to choose depends on your lifestyle, how often you will need health care and what kind of medical treatment you need. For example, if you are in good health and only expect to use your insurance in an emergency, you can choose the Bronze or Silver plan. If you are currently receiving treatment or anticipate that you will need regular medical attention, the Gold and Platinum options may be the best options for you.
If you are under 30 or have an exemption based on the inability to afford health insurance, you can qualify for a catastrophic plan, which has a very low monthly premium and a very high deductible.
Note that your premium depends on your income, so if you have a lower income, your premium may cost less.
Spending more on a premium plan may actually help you save money in the long run.
Sarah Teo / CNET
How do you know if you qualify for the Affordable Care Act plan
Before you start thinking about which plan to choose, you should first find out if you actually qualify for the Affordable Care Act. Go to health.gov/screener/ and enter your zip code. Depending on where you live, you may be redirected to a different website.
You’ll then answer a few questions to see if you qualify for discounted or full-price coverage. Once you have an answer, your next step is to complete an application through either your health insurance marketplace or your state’s marketplace to see plans and rates.
When can you sign up for a health care plan from the Affordable Care Act?
Open enrollment begins on November 1 and runs until January 15. Outside of these dates, you may be eligible for private registration. Here’s how you can qualify:
You had an event that changed your life in the last 60 days: Events include a loss of health coverage, a change in family income, having a child, marriage, divorce, moving to a new zip code or if someone in your market plan dies.
Note that if you move to a new zip code, you must provide proof that you have had at least one day of insurance in the past 60 days, or you will lose coverage in the next 60 days. Also, if you lose your job and decide not to accept COBRA (Comprehensive Uniform Budget Reconciliation Act) coverage, you can still enroll in the Marketplace plan.
You are applying for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP): If you are applying for any of these programs, you can apply for health insurance through the Marketplace at any time.
Other life circumstances that may qualify you:
- You are getting out of prison
- You just became an American citizen
- You are starting or ending service at AmeriCorps
- You have obtained membership in a federally recognized tribe or shareholder status in the Alaska Native Claims Resolution Corporation (ANCSA)
To find out if you qualify for private registration, follow the steps above at health.gov/screener/. If you qualify, your health plan will start on the first of the month after you enroll. For example, if you signed up in August, your coverage will begin on September 1.
A change in household income may qualify you for a special entry.
James Martin / CNET
How to Apply for Obamacare
Once you’re ready to register—whether it’s between November 1 and January 15 or by private registration—you’ll need to create an account on HealthCare.gov or through your state provider. You will then complete the app to see plans and pricing and decide which option is best for you.
Things you may need while applying:
- Social Security Numbers For everyone in your app
- Employer and income information for everyone in your household
- Current health insurance policy numbers (if any)
- Information about health insurance is available from your employer
- Immigration documents
Again, after you sign up, your plan should start on the 1st of the month following your enrollment date, assuming you’ve paid the first month’s premium.
Keep an eye out for your insurance card in the mail after you sign up, as well as any other information about your chosen health plan.
For more healthcare information, here’s How COVID Underfunding Affects Americans Who Don’t Have Health Insurance. Here’s also how to tell if a file Health insurance covers online treatment and the The best telemedicine services for doctor visits at home.
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
Originally published at San Jose News Bulletin
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