MIAMI ? WHAT IS THE EXCHANGE? IS IT THE SAME AS THE HEALTH MARKETPLACE?
The federally run health exchange or marketplace is an online shopping site designed to take the confusion and anxiety out of buying private health insurance for individuals and families who buy their coverage directly. Exchanges are meant to have the feel of an online travel site, like Expedia, where shoppers can compare prices of different plans. The marketplaces will be available in every state and are part of the Affordable Care Act.
The Obama Administration was referring to the online site as an exchange, but now prefers the term 'marketplace.'
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WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS I CAN ACCESS THE MARKETPLACE?
?The government unveiled a redesigned website, healthcare.gov, last month, which includes a web chat feature on the site.
?You can call 1-800-318-2596 24-hours a day, seven days a week and discuss various health plans with an operator in English, Spanish and other languages. Operators will take into account things like whether you have a disability, are pregnant, have a pre-existing condition or are a veteran to help narrow down what plans might be a good fit for you.
?You can also apply through regular mail by filling out a 13-page application.
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HOW MUCH WILL THE AVERAGE HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN COST ME?
It's hard to say because Florida lawmakers voted to let the federal government run their marketplace. The feds still haven't published the rates because they are still finalizing them with insurers, but they are expected to be released in September. All plans will be required to offer the same set of benefits under the bronze, silver, gold and platinum plans, but the costs, including premiums, deductibles and co-pays are still a secret.
WHY DO CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS KNOW THEIR RATES, BUT FLORIDA STILL DOESN'T? ISN'T IT ALL UNDER THE SAME FEDERAL LAW?
The marketplaces are all under the same Affordable Care Act. But California is running its own marketplace so officials there already published their rates. Florida is at the mercy of the federal government for that information because the feds are running Florida's marketplace.
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WILL I QUALIFY FOR A SUBSIDY?
Generally, those making less than $48,000 a year who don't have the option of getting health insurance through their jobs will qualify for some type of voucher from the government to help pay their insurance premiums. The less you make, the more the government will pay.
Kaiser Family Foundation has an interactive calculator that estimates premiums based on age, income, gender and family size as well as the tax subsidies that may be available. http://healthreform.kff.org/subsidycalculator.aspx
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WHEN WILL ALL THIS TAKE PLACE?
Enrollment begins Oct 1. Coverage starts Jan 1. Enrollment ends March 31.
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WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND AND WANT OUT OR WANT TO SWITCH TO ANOTHER PLAN?
Once you choose a plan, you're locked in for a year for the most part. If you get insurance through the marketplace and then get a job and want to switch to your employer's plan, you may have to pay a small penalty.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I MAKE BELOW THE FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL? CAN I STILL GET COVERAGE UNDER THE MARKETPLACE?
No. Under the law, Medicaid is the only coverage option for people below the poverty line ? $11,490 for an individual or $23,550 for a family of four. People this poor cannot get subsidized private coverage in the new health insurance markets.
Eighteen states, including Florida, aren't expanding their Medicaid programs.
The poor will be exempt from penalties for being uninsured, but they also won't get help with their health care.
Follow Kelli Kennedy on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kkennedyAP
Source: http://www.bradenton.com/2013/07/24/4623810/qa-about-health-care-marketplace.html
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