Knowledge is power.
And thanks to this very handy search engine from AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), we can have both.
Here is their Health Care changes Report for two different situations:
1) Employer-Provided Insurance,
2) Buy your own Insurance.
(I chose the state of New Mexico, which is where my brother resides. He currently buys his own Insurance -- Catastrophic Care only, which is very expensive for him currently -- including a huge deductible, of $5K as I recall, BEFORE the insurance kicks in. Report 2 is for him.)
Learn how the health care law works for you and your family. (Short Questionnaire.)
State: NM
Gender: Male
Age: 59 or younger
Number in Household: 1 Person
Estimated Household Income: Above 46K
Tribal Status: None
Insurance: Employer-Provided
Report
1st Report:
How the Health Care Law Works for You
Employer Coverage
It is important to know what the health care law means for you and your family. There are now new benefits and protections to make health coverage more secure.
Employer-sponsored coverage is a health plan offered through your job. Even if you keep the same plan, the health care law works to protect your coverage and give you more options.
Did you know?
If you have health insurance through an employer, you probably do not have to make any changes to your coverage.
You Have More Consumer Protections
Your health plan can’t put annual or lifetime dollar limits on how much it will pay for most of your medical bills.
Your health plan can’t deny you coverage because of health problems you had before your insurance started (known as pre-existing conditions).
Your Coverage Goes Further
You can keep your children on your family plan until they reach age 26—even if they don’t live at home, are married or attend school.
Your plan must spend at least 80 cents of every dollar on health care rather than on administrative costs (costs that are not related to your care).
There are limits on what your plan can make you pay toward your deductible, coinsurance and copayments.
You Have Better Access to Care
Your plan covers more preventive care. For example, health screenings and tests for colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease are now covered if they are recommended for you. See the full list of preventive services.
It is important to know that not all of these changes will apply to all health plans right away or for some coverage for retirees. Be sure to check with your human resources department to learn more about your health plan.
Get More Information
Remember: You probably don’t have to make any changes to your health coverage. Check with your human resources department to learn more about your plan’s details.
Depending on your income and the details of your employer’s health plan, you may be able to get coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Insurance Marketplace, (800) 318-2596, can help you find out about financial help to pay for your coverage. The amount of financial help is based on your family size and income.
And here's the 2nd Report (only change was the current method of acquiring Insurance).
State: NM
Gender: Male
Age: 59 or younger
Number in Household: 1 Person
Estimated Household Income: Above 46K
Tribal Status: None
Insurance: Buy my own coverage
Report
2nd Report:
How the Health Care Law Works for You
Private Individual Coverage
It is important to know what the health care law means for you and your family. There are new protections and coverage choices available to you—and you might even be able to get help with some of your costs.
Private individual insurance is health coverage you buy for yourself and your family. The health care law works to give you more options for coverage.
Did you know?
You can take a look at the range of insurance plans different companies offer, because shopping for coverage and comparing plans is now easier. Be sure to read Choosing a Health Care Plan before you make changes to your coverage.
You Have More Consumer Protections
Your health plan can’t drop your coverage if you get sick.
Your health plan can’t put annual or lifetime dollar limits on how much it will pay for most of your medical bills.
Your health plan can’t deny you coverage because of health problems you had before your insurance started (known as pre-existing conditions).
Your health plan can’t charge you more because of your gender or if you get very sick.
Health plans must justify rate increases of 10 percent or more.
Your Coverage Goes Further
Health plans will now offer four different tiers, known as “metal levels,” so it’s easier to make “apples-to-apples” comparisons among plans and to choose what plan works for you and your family.
You can keep your children on your family plan until they reach age 26—even if they don’t live at home, are married or attend school.
Your plan must spend at least 80 cents of every dollar on health care rather than on administrative costs (costs that are not related to your care).
There are limits on what your plan can make you pay for your deductible, copayments and coinsurance.
Your Coverage Has a Core Set of Benefits
Plans must cover certain important health care services, including:
Doctor’s office visits
Emergency room care
Hospital visits
Maternity and newborn care
Mental health and substance abuse treatment
Prescription drugs
Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
Laboratory services
Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
Pediatric services, including oral and vision care.
Your plan covers more preventive care. For example, health screenings and tests for colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease are now covered if they are recommended for you. See the full list of preventive services.
It is important to know that not all of these changes will apply to all health plans right away. Be sure to check with your plan to see what applies to you.
There Are New Ways to Shop for Coverage
If you will soon need new coverage or want to compare your options, you will now be able to do it through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Through the marketplace, you can shop online and get help by phone or in person to find the plan that works for you and your family. Visit the New Mexico Medicaid Program, sometimes referred to as New Mexico Medical Assistance or call (888) 997-2583 to learn more.
Get More Information
If you have more questions about your coverage and the health care law, or if you want to look at what other plans offer, check out these resources to learn more.
Check your plan’s coverage information or contact your insurer to learn about the details of your plan and others they offer.
Read our fact sheet Choosing a Health Care Plan: Coverage, Cost, Compare.
Visit the Health Insurance Marketplace or call (800) 318-2596 to learn what new options are available to you and to compare coverage and costs.
Knowledge is power. Choose to use it. Wisely. And then pass it on.
Step 1, Ignore the Pundits.
Step 2, Find out how the Health Care Law will work for YOU.
Step 3, Use the search engine.
Kudos and many thanks to AARP, for making this as easy as 1-2-3.