For those new to shopping for health insurance, wondering – what exactly is the Affordable Care Act? – here are a few facts you should know:
The federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) – also referred to as Obamacare – is the new health care reform law that ensures all U.S. citizens and nationals, or those lawfully present in the country, access to affordable health care coverage – regardless of medical history. Under the ACA, you cannot be denied health care due to a previous illness or pre-existing condition – thus, giving everyone seeking health insurance coverage the opportunity to obtain it. The ACA also provides government subsidies to assist those meeting income requirements with a means by which to be insured, while reducing their out-of-pocket costs. With the ACA, those enrolling in a health plan will be covered by an Essential Health Benefits package similar to a typical employer-sponsored plan.
Getting health insurance has never been easier. The Affordable Care Act ensures:
• Health insurance companies can no longer deny you coverage because you have a pre-existing medical condition.
• You don’t have to pass a medical exam to qualify for coverage.
• You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national to qualify for health coverage for you and your family.
Every health insurance plan offered in the Covered California Marketplace is designed to provide the same essential health benefits as mandated by the ACA, which include: doctor visits, preventive care, hospitalization, pregnancy and newborn care, prescription drugs, and much more. You can compare the plans best suited for your needs based on price, benefits, quality and other important features before making your choice.
If money is an issue – depending on your income – you may qualify for no-cost or low cost health insurance or Medi-Cal insurance, which is the California equivalent of Medicaid, so you won’t be left without coverage. Health insurance for undocumented immigrants may be a possibility under certain circumstances through Medi-Cal, though on a limited scale.
While citizenship and residency status, along with monthly income, will ultimately decide eligibility, there are optional plans offered by Covered California for immigrants who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal.
The 2016 open enrollment period for Covered California begins November 1, 2015 and ends January 31, 2016. After that, you may be subject to a penalty for not having health insurance. But, if you experience what is considered a “qualifying life event” – such getting married, divorced or having a baby – you may still be eligible for health coverage by applying for special enrollment through Covered California.
Because Covered California offers several different types of health insurance, choosing the right plan and coverage is made simple for:
• Individuals
• Families
• Students
• Veterans
• Immigrants
• Pregnant Women
• Small Businesses
Going through the health insurance maze alone can be intimidating and confusing. If you’re currently or recently uninsured, let Freeway Insurance, the premier healthcare insurance broker, guide you through the confusion with the same exceptional support, expert guidance and low prices existing auto insurance customers have experienced since 1987.
Freeway Insurance, has partnered with Covered California www.coveredca.com and some of the nation’s most trusted carriers to provide their customers with the best health insurance quotes available. Plus – Freeway’s services are absolutely 100% free.
Start now to choose from the different types of health insurance to find the one that’s right for you? Don’t neglect your health or the 2016 open enrollment period. Why not get a free California health insurance quote today?
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