Top 20 things you should know about the Affordable Care
Act (ACA) or ObamaCare
1.
You must have health insurance in 2014 or pay a
penalty (few exceptions)
2.
You can continue to subscribe to your employer plan or
explore the Health Care exchange options
3.
For most people, the new plan will cover more,
for older people they may cost less, there will not be lifetime limits and out
of pocket yearly expenses will be capped
4.
Preexisting and chronic conditions will not
exclude you from coverage
5.
Children can be on your plan until they are 26
years old
6.
You can only sign up during the open enrollment periods
(this year it lasts from October 1, 2013-March 2014
7.
You can skip coverage and pay the penalty…and if
you are injured, etc. you will bear the full cost of the treatment
8.
If you reside in Kentucky you can compare the
offerings in the Marketplace at
kynect.ky.gov. In Indiana it is healthcare.gov These sites will help you determine if you
qualify for free or lower cost insurance.
9.
If you make up to $45,950 you may qualify for a
subsidy that will reduce your premiums (you must purchase through the Exchange
to receive the subsidy)
10.
Other lower cost solutions are available through
brokers, etc. Shop around
11.
Expect more emphasis on wellness programs
12.
Expect new arrangements between insurers and
providers (hospitals, doctors, etc.) which may lead to better coordination of
care, fewer choices, etc. You’ll begin
hearing about ACOs-accountable care organizations which will move payments away
from fee for service toward incentives that reward providers for keeping
patients healthy.
13.
Call ahead to schedule appointments-more people insured
means longer wait times for the available appointments
14.
Don’t expect immediate cost savings
15.
Expect more pressure to adopt healthy habits—you
may be incentivized to adopt in the form of lower premiums, gift cards,
etc.
16.
Business are NOT required to insure employees
THIS year (that mandate was delayed).
However, in 2015 employers with over 50 employees will be required to
insure or pay a penalty
17.
Undocumented immigrants will not receive subsidies
18.
Hospitals will be using their emergency rooms as
places for the uninsured to sign up
19.
Keep reading all the information that is pouring
forth to keep up on the latest changes
20.
The free market will continue to exist-perhaps
in a more robust fashion than ever before
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