Do you need health insurance? What to know about shopping for Obamacare
Among
But many of those Texans without health insurance have the opportunity to purchase a health insurance plan until
Here’s what you need to know.
What is Open Enrollment?
Open Enrollment is the time frame during which Americans can pick a health insurance plan through healthcare.gov, the federal government’s insurance marketplace.
About 46% of Texans get health insurance through their jobs, according to census data. Other Texans, like those 65 and older, children, and people with disabilities, can qualify for public health insurance programs, like Medicare or Medicaid.
For people who don’t get health care through their jobs, or who don’t qualify for a public program, there’s another option. During Open Enrollment, which started
How should I pick a plan?
There are hundreds of different plans available on healthcare.gov.
If you’re unfamiliar with health insurance, or if terms like “monthly premium” and “deductible” are confusing, you should probably seek help from an “assister.” Assisters provide free help to people selecting health insurance through the marketplace, and do not work for or receive incentives from health insurance companies (which is often the case among specific health care agents or brokers). In
The types of plans available to you will vary based on where you live, your income, and whether you smoke.
Who can buy a plan on Marketplace?
But not everyone is eligible for financial help if they want a Marketplace plan. Most people who are offered health insurance through work are not eligible for financial assistance.
People who don’t have health insurance and who make less than 100% of the poverty level, or less than
Do I need health insurance?
Americans are no longer required to enroll in a health insurance plan.
But for almost anyone who needs medical care, it will be cheaper to get care if you have health insurance to help you pay.
“You never know what can happen in your life,” Chambers said. “You can save thousands of dollars if you have health insurance.”
What to avoid
Chambers said anyone looking for a health insurance plan on the marketplace should only browse plans on healthcare.gov. Other websites with similar names or designs often sell health insurance plans that are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act, and so might not include all of the benefits and coverage that most people need.
Where to get help picking health insurance
Both the
North Texas Area Community Health Centers: Call 817-625-4254 and say you need help applying for marketplace insurance, or make appointment at ntachc.org.
JPS Health Network: Call JPS Enrollment and Eligibility at 817-702-1001, or visit jpshealthnet.org/financial-resources/jps-connection.
Outside of
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