if you both need insurance because her coverage is ending and not being offered with her new employer, then check NO because you said the new employer doesn't offer coverage. When does the insurance end and the new job begin Brad?
you have a life changing event and it's open enrollment. I would recommend contacting that Marketplace no later than Dec 15 for coverage to start January 1st.
open enrollment is 11/15/14 to 2/15/15 but to have coverage by Jan 1st, you need to complete the application, chose a plan and payment by 12/15/14
I would like to remind people that they really need to check the networks for the plans they enroll in. I know the Department of Insurance said a lot of the complaints they dealt with had to do with people signing up for the cheapest plan and then found out their doctors were not part of the network/plan.
I agree with Kathy. It is important to know what the deductible, out of pocket max, copays and co insurance is for the plan you choose as well as the premium. Some people don't understand these terms and a CAC can assist with helping consumers understand this. Many people who have never had health insurance coverage don't understand how the medical billing works. We can help with that.
I also want to encourage people to use a CAC or an insurance agent. All of the insurance companies have contracted with insurance agents who are very knowledgeable and able to help them understand the nuances of the benefits and network options. The agents they find on our website can also help people enroll in other insurance companies other than CoOportunity Health.
Another thing - make sure and read the letters they get from their insurance companies very carefully and ask a CAC or agent for advice. Some letters could tell them they are moving to a different plan, or allowing them to renew as is - now is the time they can make changes unless they have a qualifying event later in the year.
Individuals who are on Medicare have asked if they can purchase supplemental insurance through The Marketplace/ACA. The answer is no. I recommend they contact an insurance agent or a SHIIP office in the community to get assistance with Medicare issues/supplments.
Our next question comes from Ed. Kathy, can you answer it?
Also, tell all of your friends and family that they NEED to look at the Marketplace. There are so many people in Iowa who qualify for subsidies that missed the opportunity the first year.
I can't tell you the actual form/ID required, but you will need to answer the question in some way, because you will have to pay a penalty if you don't have health insurance.
It is my understand Ed, that this information will be reported by your employer on your W2
Reporting on the Form W-2
The value of the health care coverage will be reported in Box 12 of the Form W-2, with Code DD to identify the amount. There is no reporting on the Form W-3 of the total of these amounts for all the employer’s employees.
In general, the amount reported should include both the portion paid by the employer and the portion paid by the employee. See the chart, below, and the questions and answers for more information.
An employer is not required to issue a Form W-2 solely to report the value of the health care coverage for retirees or other employees or former employees to whom the employer would not otherwise provide a Form W-2.
This next question comes from Pauline. Nikole, can you answer it?
Pauline, you do not need to enroll through the Marketplace during open enrollment to have your Medicaid continue. You need to watch your mail for DHS to mail you a review. There is no open enrollment for Medicaid. You can apply at anytime. DHS prefers people to complete the review mailed to them in a timely manner to avoid a break in coverage.
Medicaid is considered a Qualified Health Plan too so Pauline - you are covered :)
if at the review you are determined over income for Medicaid, you would then contact the Marketplace/life changing event.
Our next question comes from Becky. Kathy, can you answer it?
Hi Becky - when you say you already have affordable care, I am assuming you mean you are enrolled through the Marketplace (HC.gov). Everyone should look at the letters they receive from their insurance companies to make sure they don't miss anything and follow those instructions. You also should make sure what type of subsidies you qualify for this year.
This next question comes from Christine. Stacy, can you answer it?
The Affordable Care Act considers employer based coverage affordable if the cost of a single plan is 9.5% of less of the family's income. You would need to have his employer complete the worksheet on affordability. If it is not deemed affordable to the Marketplace then you could apply for premium tax credits through the Marketplace. If if is affordable, you can still shop on the Marketplace but wouldn't get premium tax credits. You can always apply on www.healthcare.gov and it will tell you if you qualify for assistance. You can apply without buying anything to see the prices but if you do want to purchase a plan then you need to follow through with the entire process.
Our next question comes from Mary. Nikole, can you answer it?
Mary, you will get a review sent to you by DHS. You do not need to reapply. The review is based on when you first applied. Iowa Health and Wellness doesn't have an open enrollment date so you can apply anytime. Watch you mail for your review from DHS.
HI Mary - If you have not received a notice of discontinuation, you do not need to do a thing. Medicaid does not have an Open Enrollment period so no worries.
We're at our time limit. Thanks to everyone for submitting their questions. Our experts will close with some final thoughts.
When in doubt and you have questions, call a Cerfitifed Application Counselor. You can find out many answers over the phone or schedule in person assisting.
Thanks so much for engaging with all of us. Please remind everyone you know that there is help available to ensure that they understand what their options are.
Thank you everyone for all your questions - If you have any follow up questions, Mercy is here to help. Call our Insurance Exchange office at 319-398-6695 for an appointment during Open Enrollment. Thanks again and wishing you good health!
