The affordable care act (ACA) is a federal law passed by congress in 2010. ACA requires that most U.S citizens and legal residents to have health care coverage by January 1 2014. The Federal government wills open enrollment on October 1 2013, through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Beginning on this date, individual may fill out an application through the marketplace to learn more about their health care options.
Depending on applicant’s income and family size he or she may qualify for health coverage through a state’s Medicaid program or through other insurance affordability programs such as Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) or Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs). QHPs are health insurance plans certified by the marketplace as providing essential benefits and meeting specific affordability requirements. Applicants who qualify for QHP or other insurance programs may be eligible for APTCs which can reduce monthly cost for health coverage.
Advanced Premium Tax Credits are use to lower monthly cost. If income is between 100 – 400 percent of the federal poverty level the household qualifies for APTC paid to the health insurance company on the clients behalf to lower the premium cost of the insurance they have selected. Individuals whose income is below 100 percent FPL do not qualify for ATPC. If the income is above 400 percent FPL and the person does not have the option of purchasing health insurance through the employer, the individual will select a QHP.
The Market Place
The market place is designed to help individuals find health insurance that fits their budget with less hassle. Every health insurance place in the new marketplace will offer comprehensive coverage from doctors to medications to hospital visits. The ACA also mandates that preventive healthcare, rehabilitative health and pregnancy is part of all qualified health plans. Indivuals can compare all their insurance options based on quality, coverage, premiums, deductible and other features that maybe important to them.
In October everyone will be able to get information about all of the health plans available in their area. They will be able to enroll directly through a website or call a toll free hotline. If they are having difficulty finding a plan that meets their needs and budget there will be “Navigators” available at the health insurance marketplace to give there personalized help with their choices. These navigators are not associated with any particular plan and there are not on any type of commission. So there help with will be completely unbiased. Coverage from the marketplace begins Jan, 2014.
... even though I know the nation can't afford it.
please enlighten me....
You liberals/socialist have fun with all your entitlement programs, i'm not gonna debate whether the government should be taking care of people or not, I am just gonna sit back and hope for the best.
