
The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, revolutionized how health care in America was delivered. It allowed many more Americans to obtain insurance and reduce their expenses at the same time.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) also prohibited discrimination against people with preexisting conditions. The law required insurers to offer plans that cover a set of essential benefits at no extra charge, eliminating the ability of insurers to charge extra for coverage.
What is Obamacare?
Obamacare, also referred to as the Affordable Care Act or ACA for short, is a law passed by Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010. The ACA makes healthcare more accessible for millions of Americans – particularly uninsured ones – by making health insurance premiums cheaper for millions.
The law includes more screening procedures, preventative care and low-cost treatments to promote consumer health. Furthermore, it eliminates industry practices that could drive up costs or restrict care options.
Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many people with chronic illnesses found themselves without health coverage when their medical expenses exceeded a preset dollar limit set by their insurer. Under the ACA, however, these limits will be eliminated beginning in 2014.
How can I sign up for Obamacare?
Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, was signed into law by President Obama in 2010 with a mission to reduce healthcare costs and guarantee more people have access to health coverage.
At first, the law required everyone to have qualifying insurance or face a tax penalty. But over time, the law has evolved to enable more people to access coverage while simultaneously decreasing costs for insurers.
Signing up for Obamacare can be a complex process, so it’s best to enlist the assistance of a broker or agent to guide you. They will explain each plan in detail and determine if you qualify for cost assistance subsidies.
Open enrollment for ACA marketplace plans typically begins November 1st and ends January 15th; however, in some states the period may last longer. You may also qualify for special enrollment if you experience certain life events such as losing your health coverage, getting married, or having a baby.
Where can I sign up for Obamacare?
In 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, into law. The goal is to increase access to health insurance for more Americans through online marketplaces that provide private coverage with federal subsidies that reduce premiums. Furthermore, it encourages states to expand their Medicaid programs so more low-income people can buy coverage.
The law also provides health plans with numerous consumer safeguards, such as covering preventive services without out-of-pocket expenses and restricting how they can charge more for preexisting conditions. It safeguards adults against being denied coverage when they switch jobs, and children may stay on their parent’s plan until age 26.
Marketplace plans can be selected during an annual window known as Open Enrollment. However, you may also enroll outside this period if a qualifying life event occurs such as losing job-based coverage or becoming dependent on someone else.
How do I know if I qualify for Obamacare?
The Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, is providing health coverage to millions of Americans. Our free calculator tool can help determine if you qualify for subsidies that cover part of your premium costs.
You may qualify for Medicaid, which provides free or low-cost health care to low-income adults and children. Many states have expanded their Medicaid programs to include more adults below a certain income level.
Based on your household income, you may also qualify for tax credits (also known as Advance Premium Tax Credits). These are a way for the federal government to help lower healthcare insurance costs by covering part of your premiums on your behalf.
Subsidies for health savings accounts or pre-tax retirement plans are calculated based on your income during the year of enrollment in a plan. However, contributions to an HSA or pre-tax retirement account can reduce your taxable income for subsidy eligibility purposes.