Key Things You Need to Know to Get Obamacare
Answers to questions about securing health insurance.
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Get Ready, Because Here It Comes - The Republican-controlled House voted for the 40th time to defund or repeal Obamacare. But the law's the law, and by Jan. 1, 2014, all individuals will be required to have health insurance. Here's the 411 on how the health insurance marketplace will work and answers to other key questions. — Joyce Jones(Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
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What Is a Health Insurance Marketplace or Exchange? - The marketplace is a website where people who are not covered by their employer or not eligible for federal programs like Medicaid or Medicare can purchase insurance. The federal government will run the insurance marketplace for 27 states; 16 others and the District of Columbia will manage their own exchanges; seven others will partner with the federal government.(Photo: DreamPictures/Getty Images)
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How Do I Find Out About My State's Exchange? - Click here to find out what your options are and to enroll.(Photo: Sami Suni/Getty Images)
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When Is the Enrollment Period? - Plans and prices will be available on Oct. 1 and the enrollment period ends in March 2014. Coverage starts Jan. 1, 2014. Planning Ahead. (Photo: blackred/Getty Images)
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Who Is Eligible? - Anyone who isn't covered by an employer-provided insurance or a federal program can participate in the exchange. In addition, people whose employers do not provide affordable coverage. (Photo: Yellow Dog Productions/Getty Images)
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How Much Will Marketplace Insurance Cost? - Insurance companies will decide what plans to offer and how much they will cost, but state insurance departments must approve the rates. Some plans might cost less but require more out-of-pocket expenses. Others may cost more but also cover more. Some people, based on income, may qualify for lower premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. (Photo: LaCoppola-Meier/Getty Images)
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What If I Need Help Finding a Plan? - The Department of Health and Human Services has a help line. Call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325). You can also ask questions via a live chat here. (Photo: Courtesy of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
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How Do Marketplace Plans Differ From Private Plans? - There is a universal set of essential benefits that all plans must provide, such as preventive services and mental health care. They also cannot charge more or refuse coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. But one must be covered through the exchange to qualify for lower premiums and out-of-pocket expenses based on income. (Photo: Todd Pearson/Getty Images)
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How Do I Choose a Marketplace Plan? - There are four categories, based on premium and out-of-pocket costs: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. The lower the premium, the higher the out-of-pocket expenses you will have to pay. Those who qualify for out-of-pocket savings must choose the Silver plan. (Photo: Andersen Ross/Getty Images)
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How Do I Qualify for Lower Premiums? - Savings depends on income and family size, for example, up to $45,960 for an individual; up to $62,040 for a family of two; up to $78,120 for a family of three; and up to $94,200 for a family of four. (Photo: Monashee Frantz/Getty Images)
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What About Lower Out-of-Pocket Expenses? - Households must meet the following income level requirements: up to $28,725 for an individual; $38,775 for a family of two; 48,825 for a family of 3; and $58,875 for a family of four.(Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images)
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What If I Work Only Part Time? - You can use the health insurance marketplace and may also qualify for lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs based on your household size and income. You and your dependents may also qualify for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Photo: moodboard/Getty Images)
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What If I'm Unemployed? - If you are out of work, you and your dependents may qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program or may be eligible to pay a very small premium or none at all.(Photo: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
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What If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition? - Insurance providers are prohibited from charging people with pre-existing health conditions more for coverage or refusing to provide coverage. (Photo: Siri Stafford/Getty Images)
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Does the Marketplace Provide Dental Coverage? - Some plans will include dental coverage, but stand-alone dental plans may also be available. Dental coverage for children is an essential health benefit and must be provided as part of a plan or a stand-alone. (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images)
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What Happens If I Don't Buy Insurance? - People who can afford to purchase coverage and don't will have to pay a fee equivalent to one percent of their yearly income or $95, whichever is higher. In 2016, it will increase to 2.5 percent or $695 per person. Exemptions include people uninsured for less than three months of the year or determined to be unable to afford coverage. (Photo: Rolf Bruderer/Getty Images)