Your Guide to Understanding The Affordable Care Act So You Can Make The Best Coverage Decisions

This is a sponsored campaign, however al opinions are sincere and are my own.

Even my little girl knows the importance of healthcare, but sometimes getting health insurance for your family can be challenging.
Even my little girl knows the importance of healthcare, but sometimes getting health insurance for your family can be challenging.

For many years my family struggled without insurance simply because we could not afford it.  Even though I have always considered health insurance a necessity it simply came down to numbers, we did not make enough money to pay the rent, feed our family and have health insurance.  Thanks to the Affordable Care act there are now more options for families like ours but dealing with all the information can sometimes be daunting so I am happy to share with you a wealth of resources to help you in understanding the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, sometimes known as the health insurance “exchange” so you can make the best decisions for you and for you family.

The more you know about the AffordableCare Act, the better prepared you’ll be to make smart decisions about your coverage. First, learn about what has changed in health care. The ACA has raised the Medicaid limits in some states so more are eligible and is offering subsidies to eligible income levels above medicaid but still in the realm of struggling. See what open enrollment is all about and why it matters to you. Essentially, you need to use the time of open enrollment to get the proper health plan bought and set for your family. Find a plan between Nov 15 and Feb 15 to have coverage from the marketplace in 2015. There are certain qualifying events that allow you to use a special enrollment period. The exchanges or the marketplace is a website that allows you to compare plans from a variety of providers much like Travelocity. This website will be either the government Healthcare.gov website or your state’s individual marketplace website.

Why Health Care Reform Matters

Health Accounts and Health Reform

History of Health Insurance

Open-Enrollment Guide

Health Insurance Exchanges 101

Health Care Reform Update

Planning Components…What Am I Buying?

OK, so you know a little more about health care and why reform matters…now you need to know what exactly you’re buying. Insurance companies want you to be healthy, and health insurance is actually cheaper for you if you are. That is why preventative care and other measures are being covered by insurance more often now. Health plans are annual and there are only a few ways to switch, whether a major life event occurred or its open enrollment time. It’s important to look at deductibles, co-pays, premiums and maximum out-of-pocket as well as the what is covered when comparing health plans. Think about your family and what kinds of things you see doctors for, get prescriptions for, or have operations for. Your health insurance costs can be affected by how much coverage, deductibles, and co-pays you take. Watch these short videos for more information!

Health Insurance Myths and Facts:

Changing Health Plans

Shopping for Health Care

Choosing a Health Plan

Save on Health Insurance

Details…What Does All of This Mean?

All of this health care research can be a lot to take in. Terms such as deductible, premium, co-insurance, EOB and PPO are commonly used when discussing health care. Don’t worry! These short videos may be able to explain what all of this information actually means.

A. Health Insurance Glossary

B. What’s a Premium?

C. What’s a Deductible?

D. What’s a Co-Pay?

E. What is an Out-of-Pocket Maximum?

F. What is Co-Insurance?

G. What’s a PPO?

H. What’s an EOB?

I. Student Health Insurance

How Can I Get the Most From My Health Care Plan? 

So, you are discovering all of this new information about health care and what’s involved in the shopping process, but it’s only fair that you should know how to get the most out of your health care plan. Costs within health care can be daunting. Check your deductible and out-of-pockets on a regular basis to stay ahead. When deciding on a plan, look for value ads provided by the company such as nurse lines, apps, and health club discounts too! Also, make sure to ask you Doctor how much medical tests will cost and if there are less costly alternatives. Take a few minutes to watch these short videos to find out more.

Know the Cost of Health Care

Buying a Health Plan

Questions About Medical Tests

Choosing a Health Plan

Save on Health Insurance

 

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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