President Obama signed into law the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, providing all Americans with affordable health insurance plans. Under its provisions are many new benefits, rights and protections that benefit everyone who enrolls.
Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), preexisting conditions could result in denial of coverage or treatment, higher charges because you were female, or being dropped midtreatment because of an error on your application form. Now, however, consumers have access to fast appeal of decisions by their insurance provider.
1. Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace
The Health Insurance Marketplace is an online federal government portal where individuals and families can shop and enroll in standardized, cost-effective health coverage plans. It was established under the Affordable Care Act (commonly referred to as Obamacare).
Application for health coverage can take place any time of the year; however, open enrollment occurs in late fall of every year. A special enrollment period (SEP) can also apply if there has been an unexpected life change that necessitates it.
Start your health insurance shopping experience off right by visiting the Health Insurance Marketplace and filling out an application. This application will assist in finding plans from both Blue Cross and Blue Shield as well as private insurers such as Aetna.
For your application to be accurate, it may be necessary to upload documents online or mail them. These could include W2 forms, pay stubs, tax forms, child support or alimony payments and more.
2. Fill out an application
Before applying for coverage, ensure you have all of the information needed. This will make the application process quicker and simpler.
Start by visiting your State’s Health Insurance Marketplace and choosing an ideal plan. Next, complete an application on either your computer, mobile phone or tablet and then fill it out electronically.
Your application requires providing information regarding your income, family size and current health coverage. Any time life events such as birth or adoption occur – losing or changing jobs; getting married; or experiencing other life changes it’s essential that your application be updated as soon as possible.
Your first month’s premium must also be paid by its due date or else coverage could be cancelled.
3. Pay your first month’s premium
Accessing healthcare has never been simpler thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010. This landmark legislation helps millions of Americans gain coverage while improving health outcomes and increasing access to care.
To begin, apply and enroll in either a Marketplace plan or Medicaid/CHIP. Your health insurer will contact you regarding how to pay your premiums.
Follow your insurer’s instructions regarding payment of premiums each month, or else risk incurring fines and fees from them. Your insurer should send a bill directly.
As your payment date approaches, make sure your check, credit card or online payment reaches its intended recipient before it’s due; otherwise your new insurance may be cancelled and may incur late fees and/or interest charges. Alternatively, call your insurance company to verify payment status.
4. Get covered
Obamacare seeks to make health insurance more affordable for people while providing them with access to needed care. It offers protections against pre-existing conditions, tax subsidies to help pay for coverage and an open marketplace.
The Affordable Care Act also expanded access to health insurance via Medicaid and CHIP programs, helping low-income Americans obtain free or discounted coverage through government-funded health programs.
One way for individuals to secure affordable coverage in 2022 is through marketplace plans. This process, known as “open enrollment,” takes place each fall when individuals can enroll for plans covering the upcoming year.
Special Enrollment Period (SEP) offers another solution when an eligible life event arises – for instance losing coverage, having a baby, or getting married.
These plans don’t compare directly with Marketplace plans, but can still save you money. In order to find affordable health coverage in 2022, research should always be the key factor.
