OBAMACARE 2020

The 2020 Open Enrollment Period runs from Friday, November 1, 2019, to Sunday, December 15, 2019.Aug 22, 2019

Individual health insurance is insurance that you buy yourself from an insurance company. Health insurance provided through your employer and health coverage provided by the government, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE, is not considered individual insurance.

 You can purchase health insurance through a few ways. The Affordable Care Act established a federally-facilitated marketplace for individual health insurance as well as the option for states to create their own state-based marketplaces. Pennsylvania currently participates through the federal marketplace available at Healthcare.gov. . You or your child(ren) may also qualify for Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

The Affordable Care Act also established an individual mandate, so all Americans are required to obtain health insurance or face a potential tax penalty from the IRS. If you encounter a life change like the loss of coverage through an employer, moving, getting married, or having a baby, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period.

Remember, it is important to obtain health insurance not just because it’s required, but because it provides an important safety net for you and your family. Medical procedures can be expensive, and under the ACA preventive services that help evaluate and maintain your health are available at no cost if you have health insurance. If you encounter a medical issue or emergency, you need to focus on your health rather than who you will pay for care. For more information on how to select a plan that is right for you and your family, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]

·       Preventive care under Obamacare is free

·       Lifetime and annual coverage limits were eliminated

·       Children can stay on their parents’ plans up to age 26

Most employers remain committed to offering employment-based health insurance which is still the best way to purchase health insurance.

Employers remain committed to providing employees benefits and managing costs. Most employers do not expect reform to lower costs, however, most employers are increasing their employee’s share. Most employers pass cost to employees in the form of increased deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance or higher premiums. Price transparency and consumerism continue to grow. Members are now able to see that hospital charges vary widely. Traditionally, many large employers have plans that are self-funded, however, they do little to effectively manage the cost.

Get ready to be inundated with political rhetoric when it comes to health care debates in 2020. Health care continues to be our generation’s political football. Do your research, and let me know if you need any help navigating through the options for you, your family or your company.

Dan Majernik – Benefit Consultant – Alera Group Pittsburgh