Beginning in 2014, the Affordable Care Act requires all U.S. residents to have health insurance. With this requirement, new federal health insurance options will be available online Oct. 1.
The Health Insurance Marketplace allows people to purchase health insurance and compare health plan options. One application can be completed for multiple health plans, according to www.healthcare.gov, the federal government's website devoted to the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Who is eligible?
Individuals and families and businesses with 100 employees or fewer can purchase health insurance through the marketplace, according to www.healthcare.gov. Eligible applicants must:
- Live in areas within the U.S. that offer Health Insurance Marketplace services
- Be a U.S. citizen or be lawfully present in the U.S.
- Not currently be incarcerated
- Exceptions are made for those with financial hardships, religious objections, qualifying Indian tribes and others
According to a 2011 United Way study, about 19.5 percent of residents in Montgomery County are uninsured. Montgomery County Hospital District CEO Randy Johnson said uninsured residents below 133 percent of the federal poverty line qualify to receive services provided by MCHD. About 60,000 residents countywide are eligible for those services, Johnson said.
The percentage of uninsured people in Harris County improved slightly with the latest U.S. Census Bureau update to 29.9 percent. The numbered of uninsured dropped from 1.14 million in 2007 to 1.12 million in 2010, despite an overall increase in population of 80,000. Roughly 825,000 uninsured in the county will be eligible for insurance through the new marketplace.
Key dates
- Oct. 1—Open enrollment begins
- Jan. 1, 2014—Health insurance coverage begins for those who enroll by Dec. 15, 2013. Coverage begins based on one's date of enrollment.
- March 31, 2014—Open enrollment closes
Marketplace insurance coverage includes essential health benefits such as ambulatory services, hospitalization, surgery, maternity and newborn care, prescription drugs and preventive and wellness services. Insurance plans are divided into four categories—Bronze, Gold, Silver, Platinum—based on income and can include dental coverage.
Prices of plans will be available Oct. 1, according to www.healthcare.gov. The site also includes details about eligibility.
How to apply
- Visit www.healthcare.gov
- Call 1-800-318-2596
- In person—those who choose to apply in person may do so at local organizations listed below.
- An option to apply by mail will be available Oct. 1, according to www.healthcare.gov.
Organizations in Montgomery County available to answer questions and assist with applications include MCHD's Health Care Assistance Program, as well as Houston's nearby Fordland Clinic.
Organizations in Harris County available to answer questions and assist with applications include the Montrose Center and Gateway to Care.
For more information about local organizations that can help with navigation and enrollment, visit https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/. Visit impactnews.com for updates about the ACA and the Health Insurance Marketplace as information becomes available.
Additional reporting by Matt Stephens and Shawn Arrajj
