Please let people know about this easy, on-line tool to answer all the Obamacare questions.
It's not rocket science.
I even used LIVE CHAT twice this morning to get a couple of State-specific questions answered. It was quick and easy. Great service.
To get to live chat, to to www.healthcare.gov and click on
How do I get help enrolling in the Marketplace?
When the screen opens, look for the LIVE CHAT box in the lower right hand corner pictured here:
LET PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THIS HELPFUL ONLINE SERVICE so they can:
Get an idea of what their premiums will be.
If and what they will qualify for premium subsidies and out-of-pocket caps.
Also, let people know that Obamacare also helps cap the out-of-pocket expenses for those families earning under $55,000.
A Kaiser premium calculator is available. Look for this link at www.healthcare.gov
After using the Kaiser calculator, I found that my daughter's family out-of-pocket expense will be capped at $4,500. Their premium, after the subsidy, will be approximately $172 as month, very affordable.
Also, AND THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO NOTE:
Because her family income is under $55,000 for her family of five, even though they will sign up under the Silver Plan, her family will receive the co-insurance beneft of 87% which is even better than the GOLD Plan. That's right. Sign up for the Silver Plan and get either the same or sometimes better coverage than the GOLD/Platinum plans.
Here's the information that was provided, after filling out the details in the Kaiser calculator:
I also found out how the subsidies to insurers will be paid. When you sign up for Obamacare, you get to choose how much will be deducted from your tax liability.
It's called Advanced Premium Tax Credit Here's what it says:
The Affordable Care Act provides a new tax credit to help you afford health coverage purchased through the Marketplace. Advance payments of the tax credit can be used right away to lower your monthly premium costs. If you qualify, you may choose how much advance credit payments to apply to your premiums each month, up to a maximum amount. If the amount of advance credit payments you get for the year is less than the tax credit you're due, you'll get the difference as a refundable credit when you file your federal income tax return. If your advance payments for the year are more than the amount of your credit, you must repay the excess advance payments with your tax return. Also called premium tax credit.
It's not rocket science.
Use the tools