Regardless of your feelings, the ACA that was passed in March of 2010 is here.

In 2014, every American is required to have health insurance or pay a penalty to the IRS. The enrollment period for a January 1^st, 2014 effective date starts October 1^st, 2013 and runs until the middle of December.

If your household is not eligible for employer provided health insurance and your household’s “Adjusted Gross Income” is 100% to 400% of the Federal poverty limit (FPL), you will likely receive a subsidy when you buy a policy.  Some subsidies wipe out all required premium. (I hate to use the word “FREE”.)

 2013 Texas Federal Poverty Level

If your household makes more than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), then you will pay the full rates in the marketplace.  If you make less than 100%, you are eligible for Medicaid.

 What does this subsidy do to the premium?

1. 1.     If you make 150% – 400% of the FPL, your premiums for a SILVER plan should be around 9.5% of your income.  BRONZE plans cost less.
2. 2.     If you make 100% – 150% of the FPL, your premium for a SILVER plan should be around 4% of your income and BRONZE plans cost less.
3. 3.     For some applicants, their subsidy will be larger than the premium resulting in a NO PREMIUM plan.  (There’s that “FREE” idea again.)

•  The policies are guaranteed issue and cover pre-existing conditions.
•  The policies will cover maternity.  Checkups will be covered with no out of pocket costs.
•  Health insurance can only be purchased during enrollment periods except in special circumstances.
•  Purchasing your insurance through an agent will cost the same as purchasing the same policy directly from an insurance company.
•  Regardless of when you sign up, you won’t have to pay for the new policy until just before it is effective (just before 1/1/2014)

I want to assist you, your family, co-workers, and friends in signing up and I want to work with you early in the process.  Please call 806-798-7800 soon to discuss or to set your appointment to sign up.

Take care,

Ronald J Hettler, CIC

P.S.  You can get an exact quote for your situation by calling 806-798-7800 or by going to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas* official quoting and enrollment site through my referral link at www.iwantapolicy.com

*A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association