Affordable Care Act
Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc (September 2013) Although up to 33 million individuals could still gain health coverage following full implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, 23 million or more will remain uninsured. The need for charity care programs (CCPs) – which provide the uninsured with access to preventive, primary, and specialty care – will remain. These organizations must consider the implications of the size, health care needs, demographics, and expected utilization of the remaining uninsured population.
This brief examines options that charity care programs across the country are currently considering, including serving as a consumer assister in their state’s health insurance marketplace; operating in a marketplace as a consumer-operated and oriented plan; continuing to provide the uninsured population in their regions with access to affordable care; and/or providing complementary services to those newly eligible for health insurance. The document also provides case studies of two charity care programs to illustrate the challenges these organizations may face in meeting the needs of uninsured individuals in the months and years to come. The brief is also available on the “Resources” section of www.chcs.org.
Individuals, families and small businesses can find plans that fit their needs and their budget, and nobody can be denied coverage for having an illness or a pre-existing condition. Financial help is also available to help lower the cost of health insurance.
ENROLL Virginia! can help you learn how to enroll and find a person in your community who is certified to answer your questions about the new marketplace.
Get Covered: A one-page guide to the Health Insurance Marketplace
Here’s a quick rundown on the most important things to know about the Health Insurance Marketplace, sometimes known as the health insurance “exchange.” Follow the links for more information on each topic.
The new Health Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured people find health coverage. When you fill out the Marketplace application we’ll tell you if you qualify for:
No matter what state you live in, you can use the Marketplace. Some states operate their own Marketplace. In some states, the Marketplace is run by the Federal government. Find the Health Insurance Marketplace in your state.
Most people must have health coverage in 2014 or pay a fee. If you don’t have coverage in 2014, you’ll have to pay a penalty of $95 per adult, $47.50 per child, or 1% of your income (whichever is higher). The fee increases every year. Some people may qualify for an exemption to this fee.
You’re considered covered if you have Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, any job-based plan, any plan you bought yourself, COBRA, retiree coverage, TRICARE, VA health coverage, or some other kinds of health coverage.
If you’re eligible for job-based insurance, you can consider switching to a Marketplace plan. But you won’t qualify for lower costs based on your income unless the job-based insurance is unaffordable or doesn’t meet minimum requirements. You also may lose any contribution your employer makes to your premiums.
If you have Medicare, you’re considered covered and don’t have to make any changes. You can’t use the Marketplace to buy a supplemental or dental plan.
Marketplace open enrollment ends March 31, 2014. If you enroll by December 15, 2013, coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2014.
Questions? Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)
Ready to apply? Learn the 4 ways you can apply for coverage.
Have You Heard About Medicare's Preventive Benefits?
 People are buzzing about it. Everyone with
Medicare can now get a yearly wellness visit that gives you a chance to talk
with your doctor to make sure you are getting the right prescriptions and care.
There are other important preventive benefits – like
recommended cancer screening to help detect disease early, when it's most
treatable. Preventing chronic disease not only improves health and quality of
life – it's also a significant step towards reducing the $2 trillion the U.S.
spends treating preventable long-term illness today.
And if you're in the donut hole, discounts on brand name prescription drugs
to help you stay healthy. Use your benefits and have peace of mind knowing you
are taking good care of your health.
Now help us spread the word! Tell your friends and family with Medicare about
the difference these benefits can make.
Because when you share the news, you share the health.
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