Top Ten Things To Know About Health Care Reform
1. Insurance companies cannot charge you more for health care based on gender.
2. Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for pre-existing conditions. Isn’t that great?!
3. Insurance companies cannot drop or limit your coverage because you choose to participate in certain clinical trials.
4. Insurance exchanges (that are specific to your state) will be open for enrollment for individuals to purchase health insurance from November 1st through January 31st. You can only apply for individual health insurance outside of that time if you have what’s called a Qualifying Life Event. What’s that, you say? Click here to find out!
5. Tax credits (aka premium subsidies) make it easier for people to afford health insurance. See if your yearly income qualifies you for a tax credit—click here!
6. Small business tax credits for qualified small businesses and small non-profit organizations will be available when health care insurance is purchased through the exchange in your state. Available all year with no open enrollment periods.
7. Individuals who fall below the subsidy tax bracket will qualify for Medicaid (Medi-Cal in CA) and can enroll at any time. Click here to find out more.
8. Some states have their own individual health insurance mandate, requiring you to have qualifying health coverage or pay a fee with your state taxes. If you live in a state that requires you to have coverage and you decide not to, you’ll be charged a fee when you file your state tax return.
9. Employees who can’t afford the health care coverage provided at work and who also meet certain requirements can use their employer’s money to buy health insurance on the exchange.
10. Got FAQs? Contact The Insurance Mom!