FIND THE RIGHT INSURANCE PLAN FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

THE HEALTH CARE LAW

The nation’s health care insurance system is undergoing major changes. The Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) is expected to expand health care insurance coverage, with more benefits for more people, and more affordable coverage for many.

The law keeps today’s job-based, private insurance system and the Medicare system for those age 65 and older. It will also offer new ways to get health care insurance for those who are not able to do so due to health problems or price.

there are four key features of the law

Coverage will be guaranteed

You will be able to get health care insurance coverage, even with a pre-existing condition. What’s more, you won’t have to pay more to have pre-existing medical conditions covered.

All new plans will include coverage for essential health benefits

These are a comprehensive package of benefits, including preventive services, maternity and newborn care, and emergency services.

You may qualify for cost assistance

Based on your income, you may now be able to get help paying for health care insurance coverage. Premium tax credits and help with cost-sharing are available to those who qualify.

A new way to shop

You will be able to compare plan prices and benefits from a number of health care insurance companies offering coverage on the marketplace. However, you will still be able to buy directly from an insurance company or broker if you’d like. It’s your choice.

HOW WILL THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AFFECT ME?

If you have health insurance

If you buy coverage yourself or have insurance with an employer or government program, you may not experience many changes. But your coverage may have some new benefits that the law puts in place, like free screenings for some preventive services and the ability to continue to insure your adult children up to age 26.

If you don’t have health insurance

Your job might not offer health insurance. You may have had problems getting coverage because of an existing health problem. Or, you may not have been able to afford health insurance. The new health care law provides options for many individuals and families to get coverage who have not had and could not afford health insurance. Starting in 2014, you will be able to buy some form of health insurance if you are a U.S. citizen or a legal resident. There will be health plans that offer coverage to people with existing health problems. There may be help to pay for health insurance premiums.

Almost everyone can get health insurance

Under the new law, health care insurance plans won’t be able to deny coverage to people for health reasons.

KEY DATES

November 1, 2022: Open Enrollment starts — first day you can enroll in a 2023 Marketplace plan

December 15, 2022: End of Open Enrollment. Last day to enroll in a 2023 Marketplace plan

January 1, 2023: Plans sold during Open Enrollment start January 1, 2023

special enrollment periods

Did you miss your opportunity to enroll?

Well there are certain “Life Events” that may qualify you to enroll in the Affordable Care Act outside of the enrollment dates. Learn about the Special Enrollment Period and if you qualify here.

WHEN AND HOW SHOULD I BUY 2023 HEALTH CARE INSURANCE?

The sale of 2023 policies will begin on November 1, 2022.

If your current health care insurance is from your employer, you may not have to do anything. Ask your employer if changes will be made to your health care insurance plan and consider if it is best for you.

If you have an insurance agent that has helped you find insurance coverage in the past, you can still work with the agent. You can also buy directly from health care insurers.

You can also go to the Health Insurance Marketplace in Texas. The Marketplace will give comparisons and have online calculators to help determine if you can get help paying for insurance.

WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD HEALTH CARE INSURANCE?

The new health care law may make health care insurance easier to afford. Tax credits will help people pay for premiums (monthly payments) when they buy coverage on the Marketplace.

Payment assistance may also be available for expenses that you pay when you receive medical treatment (such as deductibles, copays or coinsurance).

Integrity’s Online HealthCare Enrollment Guide

A step by step guide to see if you qualify for a subsidy for payment assistance. Then follow the steps to enroll online.

ENROLL ONLINE

HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS TO FIT EVERY BUDGET

Whether you choose your health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace or elsewhere, you have many options to find the one that works best for you.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INSURANCE PLANS?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has four levels of health care plans available through the Affordable Care Act — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. All plans will have similar benefits, and all will include essential health benefits. Where they differ is on how the costs of the benefits are applied.

Bronze – Will have the lowest monthly premium, but also could be the highest out-of-pocket costs.
Silver – This level has slightly higher monthly premiums than bronze but also richer benefits.
Gold – Gold has an even higher level of benefits than silver, but also a higher monthly premium.
Platinum – This is the highest level offered by BCBSTX, with both the highest premium but also the richest benefits.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Don’t worry that is what Integrity is here for. Request a call at a time of your choosing and one of Integrity’s licensed agents will call you personally to answer any questions you may have about the Affordable Care Act.

866-451-1979