There’s been lots of confusion about what the Affordable Care Act (or “Obamacare”) is, and what it requires Americans to do. Starting in 2014, all Americans will be required to have health insurance. Many people already have health insurance through their employers, and for them, no further action is required. Managing editor Tami Roleff explains what to do if you don’t already have health insurance coverage…
For Californians who don’t have insurance, they will be able to buy it through a health insurance exchange, Covered California, or directly from an insurance agent. These health insurance policies are not “government healthcare,” or “special” policies, but regular policies sold by regular insurance companies that are available to anyone who wants to buy one. There is no difference in the policy or the price if you buy the policy through the insurance exchange or through your regular insurance agent. Under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance policies must cover children up to age 26 on their parents’ policies. Patients with pre-existing, or undiagnosed conditions, can’t be denied coverage. Low-income Californians may be eligible for a subsidy to help lower the cost of insurance premiums, and some people may be eligible for cost-sharing subsidies to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. For more information, call 800-300-1506 or visit coveredca.com.
A QUICK LESSON ON THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
