Regardless of your feelings, the ACA that was passed in March of 2010 is here.
In 2014, every American is required to have health insurance or pay a penalty to the IRS. The enrollment period for a January 1st, 2014 effective date starts October 1st, 2013 and runs until the middle of December.
If your household is not eligible for employer provided health insurance and your household’s “Adjusted Gross Income” is 100% to 400% of the Federal poverty limit (FPL), you will likely receive a subsidy when you buy a policy. Some subsidies wipe out all required premium. (I hate to use the word “FREE”.)
2013 Texas Federal Poverty Level
|
Household Size |
100% |
150% |
400% |
|
1 |
$11,490 |
$17,235 |
$45,960 |
|
2 |
15,510 |
23,265 |
62,040 |
|
3 |
19,530 |
29,295 |
78,120 |
|
4 |
23,550 |
35,325 |
94,200 |
|
5 |
27,570 |
41,355 |
110,280 |
|
6 |
31,590 |
47,385 |
126,360 |
If your household makes more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), then you will pay the full rates in the marketplace. If you make less than 100%, you are eligible for Medicaid.
What does this subsidy do to the premium?
- 1. If you make 150% – 400% of the FPL, your premiums for a SILVER plan should be around 9.5% of your income. BRONZE plans cost less.
- 2. If you make 100% – 150% of the FPL, your premium for a SILVER plan should be around 4% of your income and BRONZE plans cost less.
- 3. For some applicants, their subsidy will be larger than the premium resulting in a NO PREMIUM plan. (There’s that “FREE” idea again.)
- The policies are guaranteed issue and cover pre-existing conditions.
- The policies will cover maternity. Checkups will be covered with no out of pocket costs.
- Health insurance can only be purchased during enrollment periods except in special circumstances.
- Purchasing your insurance through an agent will cost the same as purchasing the same policy directly from an insurance company.
- Regardless of when you sign up, you won’t have to pay for the new policy until just before it is effective (just before 1/1/2014)
I want to assist you, your family, co-workers, and friends in signing up and I want to work with you early in the process. Please call 806-798-7800 soon to discuss or to set your appointment to sign up.
Take care,
Ronald J Hettler, CIC
P.S. You can get an exact quote for your situation by calling 806-798-7800 or by going to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas* official quoting and enrollment site through my referral link at www.iwantapolicy.com
*A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
