The Affordable Care Act: What You Need to Know
The Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare and Health Care Reform) is in full effect, giving millions of uninsured Americans access to health care.
Health Care Reform is here so let’s learn the basics:
#1: You Must Get Insurance
Starting Jan. 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act requires all U.S. citizens and legal residents to have health insurance or pay a penalty. This is called an individual mandate.
#2: You Are Eligible for Insurance
You will be able to enroll in health care coverage, regardless of your age, gender or health status, even if you have a pre-existing health condition that made it hard to get insurance before now. But in 2014, you’re eligible for insurance even if you have a pre-existing health condition.
#3: You Can Cover Children on Your Plan Up to Age 26
Before the new law, most insurance plans covered only adult children who:
- Were full-time students
- Lived with their parents
- Were disabled
- Were considered a dependent for tax purposes
In 2014, all young adults can stay on their parents’ plan until age 26.
When You Can Enroll
Individuals may enroll in coverage through the health insurance marketplace (or exchanges). Participants enrolled prior to Dec. 15, 2013 will have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2014. TriHealth is a participating provider in many of the health plans available through the marketplace.
The federal government has a hotline and website available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:
- Call 1 800 318 2596; or
- live chat at healthcare.gov/chat
Spanish speakers can visit cuidadoDeSalud.gov, and translators for more than 150 other languages are available at 1 800 318 2596.
How to Enroll
To enroll, Ohio and Indiana residents may use the federal government marketplace process. You can enroll:
- By phone at 1 800 318 2596; or
- online at www.healthcare.gov.
Kentucky has its own state-sponsored marketplace. You can enroll by phone at:
- 1 855 459 6328; or
- by visiting www.kynect.ky.gov.
The Affordable Care Act: Get More Information
If you have questions about the Affordable Care Act, see a financial counselor:
- Bethesda North Hospital lobby, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
- Good Samaritan Hospital Dixmyth lobby, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday