Insurance Commissioner Encourages Enrollment in 2017 Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Plans
Insurance Commissioner
"While newly elected officials in
Health insurance plans for 2017 can be purchased online through www.Healthcare.gov. Plans sold on the federal marketplace meet the coverage standards and consumer protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act, which include coverage for pre-existing conditions, free preventive care, and coverage for other essential health benefits.
Consumers purchasing from the federal marketplace may be eligible for financial assistance to pay premiums and, in some cases, other out-of-pocket costs like co-pays and deductibles. For 2016, 78 percent of Pennsylvanians who purchased insurance through the federal marketplace received subsidies to lower monthly premium costs. The federal
Affordable Care Act compliant health insurance plans are also sold off the federal marketplace. While these plans are not eligible for financial assistance, they may be less expensive than some on-marketplace options and still provide the same coverage and protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act. For consumers with incomes too high to qualify for subsidies, these off-marketplace plans, sold by agents or directly by companies, may be a more affordable option in some areas of the state. However, Commissioner Miller urged consumers to do research and understand what they are purchasing when shopping off-marketplace. In some cases, plans sold off-marketplace may offer a more limited scope of benefits and may not be ACA-compliant.
"Limited benefit plans may be presented as ACA-compliant, but consumers who purchase these plans may be subject to a tax penalty and many unexpected medical costs," said Commissioner Miller. "These plans do not offer full coverage and can come with additional costs for basic preventive care services, so be extremely diligent when shopping to ensure that you are actually buying an ACA-compliant product. Only ACA-compliant products purchased through the federal marketplace will be eligible for financial assistance."
Commissioner Miller urged Pennsylvanians to focus on managing their everyday health now, rather than waiting to see what changes may be made, due to the importance of staying covered in the event of a lengthy transition period.
"We can never know what will happen in the future, and that is why it is imperative that you ensure that you have health insurance," said Commissioner Miller. "Enrolling in a plan now guarantees that you will have coverage while decisions are being made. I urge all consumers to protect themselves and their families by investing in their health."
Coverage purchased on or before
Help is available for consumers who need assistance understanding their options. Licensed insurance agents are able to help you find the best plan for your needs and navigators are available to help you understand your options at no cost. Licensed agents and navigators in your area can be found here.
Under the Affordable Care Act, more than one million Pennsylvanians have access to quality health care coverage, with approximately 412,000 people currently purchasing coverage through the federal marketplace and 678,000 people enrolled under the
For more information on health insurance or to contact the
30VitinMar-5707123 30VitinMar
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News