More changes related to the Affordable Care Act will take effect starting in 2014. You or someone in your family may already be benefiting from the Affordable Care Act by receiving free preventative care (like well-child visits or flu shots) or being covered by insurance when they previously weren’t.
If you have a chronic condition, a mental health condition, can’t afford health insurance, or didn’t previously qualify for Medicaid because your income was too high, the Affordable Care Act may change the way you think about health insurance. With the Affordable Care Act, even if you have a longstanding illness, you’re less likely to be told that you’re not eligible for health insurance.
Beginning on October 1, 2013, Marketplaces will open in each state (accessible in person, online, and via phone) that will help you to choose the level of health coverage you want and help you pay for it. In many cases, this will help individuals who cannot currently pay for health insurance. Tax credits may be available to those whose income levels qualify for additional assistance. The chosen coverage will come into effect on January 1, 2014.
It’s true, the law says that if you don’t have health insurance by January 1, 2014 that you will have to pay a fine. If you cannot find a plan that suits your needs through the Marketplace, however, you can apply for an exemption. The vast majority of people, however, will be able to find health care plans that fit their needs and their budgets.
For more information about how the Affordable Care Act will affect your visits to OrlandoENT, give us a call!
