Finding the right health care coverage for your needs may be confusing. You might have heard about Affordable Care Act Plans, also known as Obamacare or the exchanges, but perhaps like many other uninsured Americans, you assumed coverage would be too expensive.
The fact is, millions of Americans remain uninsured, despite qualifying for assistance — and there are more coverage options than ever before. What’s more, enrollment in these plans is still available. The deadline to enroll ends on Jan. 15.
To help explain what these plans could mean for you and your family, Marcus Robinson, national vice president of sales for Individual & Family Plans at UnitedHealthcare, answers a few questions about these types of plans and how to enroll in them.
How does the American Rescue Plan Act change the health care marketplace?
A couple of things. First, subsidies have increased through 2022 and millions of consumers are now eligible for coverage with a $0 premium or are eligible for lower premiums. Prior to the enactment of the American Rescue Plan Act, subsidies were unavailable to individuals with incomes at or above 400 percent of the federal poverty level. Through 2022, that “subsidy cliff” has been removed, and instead individuals’ contribution towards premiums is capped at no more than 8.5% of their income, with subsidies available to cover the rest.
Can you explain what the exchanges are?
The health care exchanges on healthcare.gov or certain state-based sites (sometimes referred to as the health care marketplace) provide access to shop and enroll in health plans for individuals and families. Depending on the state, the exchange might be run by the federal government, the state itself, or a combination of the two.
Plans on the exchange have tiers such as gold, silver and bronze. Can you break down the difference between the “metallic” levels?
The “metal” level indicates the richness of the insurance coverage. For example, the bronze level is going to have the most cost-effective plans — lower premiums, but higher out-of-pocket costs (such as deductibles, coinsurance or copayments) when a member seeks care. The gold level, on the other hand has higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs.
Which levels of plans do the subsidies apply to?
You get to choose. Once you have qualified for a subsidy amount, you can take that subsidy and shop for any type of plan design you choose. For example, you could use your subsidy with a bronze plan and potentially have a plan with zero premium depending on your income level. In addition to the premium subsidies described above, some individuals may also qualify for another form of subsidy called Cost-Sharing Reductions (“CSRs”) depending on their income. These CSRs help reduce the amount that an individual has to pay out-of-pocket toward deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It is important to note that CSRs are only available on plans at the silver metallic level.
What do you recommend for those who might be new to this?
Health care is personal. You want to look at how frequently you use health care, what medications you take and what the cost of them might be — and keep that in mind while shopping. You also might want to look at what physicians and hospitals are in network. Many plans may offer virtual visits at no additional cost, or offer wellness and value-added benefits. You can always learn more at UHCExchange.com or contact 1-800-806-0451 TTY 711 to get help with finding the best plan for you.
When can people shop for a plan? Is there a specific enrollment period?
Open enrollment for 2022 health coverage began nationwide on Nov. 1, 2021. Although many employer-sponsored enrollment periods have ended, there is still time to enroll in exchange plans. The deadline is Jan. 15. Act now to help ensure you are covered with valuable benefits for you and your family’s health and wellness. This might include features like a gift card for visiting your doctor, a digital fitness membership at no additional cost and more.
How do you enroll in a plan? What if someone has barriers to access a computer?
You can learn more about this type of coverage at UHCExchange.com or you can call 1-800-806-0451 TTY 711 to speak with enrollment specialists about the plans UnitedHealthcare offers in your area.
Most areas have navigators and assistors available in multiple languages or you can find licensed agents at Health Markets, who can help people enroll in all types of plans.
To find out more about reliable Individual & Family plans from UnitedHealthcare, click here.
