Affordable Care Act
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and discover the best options for your health insurance needs.
The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a law designed to give every American healthcare coverage with less out-of-pocket medical care. Obamacare was enacted to spread the total cost of U.S. healthcare over a larger pool of people.
By requiring people to buy health insurance, the overall cost of health insurance should be lower, because hospitals and doctors aren’t treating as many people without insurance, a common driver to increased health insurance and medical treatment costs.
There are several types of medical coverage available under the ACA and they can be purchased through state “exchanges” or through insurance carriers.
Qualified Health Plans
By requiring people to buy health insurance, the overall cost of health insurance should be lower, because hospitals and doctors aren’t treating as many people without insurance, a common driver to increased health insurance and medical treatment costs.
There are several types of medical coverage available under the ACA and they can be purchased through state “exchanges” or through insurance carriers.
Major Medical Plans
Major medical health plans are designed for people who do not have access to a healthcare plan through their employer and aren’t eligible for state-subsidized healthcare.
Major medical plans can be purchased through insurance companies, agents or brokers.
Off the Exchange Plans
If you purchase health insurance outside of a state exchange, your plan is known as Off the Exchange. There are minimal differences between exchange and off the exchange plans and our agents can review both options with you.
Catastrophic Plans
These plans are available for people under the age of 30 or others, under certain “hardship exemptions.” Catastrophic plans have very high dedictibles and low premiums. These plans are included in the ACA to encourage young, healthy people to buy health insurance.
Supplemental Plans
Supplemental healthcare plans are not covered under the ACA, but are something to consider if you want to fill in the gaps in your insurance coverage.
Short Term (Gap) Plans
These plans are available for people under the age of 30 or others, under certain “hardship exemptions.” Catastrophic plans have very high dedictibles and low premiums. These plans are included in the ACA to encourage young, healthy people to buy health insurance.
Unlike regular ACA healthcare plans, gap plans have restrictions, including no coverage for preexisting conditions, no coverage requirements and a qualifying list of medical questions.
Beyond the types of plans, there is another consideration when reviewing your Obamacare coverage options- the “metals.” Under the ACA, the metal levels of Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze are added to give you more choice as to your premium and cost sharing options.
For example, if you prefer higher premiums, but lower deductibles, you’ll be more interested in a Platinum plan. If, on the other hand, you prefer low premiums, but higher out-of-pocket usage expenses, you’ll want to investigate Bronze plans.
As with all of your healthcare needs, your best option is to work with one of our licensed agents who know the ins and outs of every type of coverage and can help you build a healthcare plan that fits your budget and your lifestyle.
