Why am I still confused about ACA?

[Left Coast2020]

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be worried, or confused about this legislation. Yes, we will hopefully have health coverage. But on the other hand, I see these stories about companies laying off people claiming they can't afford it. Wasen't it supposed to be cheaper? And I still have no clue how the "health exchanges" work. Is there a doctor in the House (I like that show sometimes)?




http://www.kforceblog.com/blog/Will-Healthcare-Reform-Affect-Hiring-Decisions.aspx?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=ENewsletter&utm_campaign=Kronicle

[pinto]

1. Check out your state Dept. of Public Health website for local specifics. There's also this -

Affordable Insurance Exchanges

The Affordable Care Act helps create a competitive private health insurance market through the creation of Affordable Insurance Exchanges. These State-based, competitive marketplaces, which launch in 2014, will provide millions of Americans and small businesses with “one-stop shopping” for affordable coverage. They will also provide the sole venue where Members of Congress will get their health insurance.

CCIIO has proposed rules outlining a framework that will enable States to build Affordable Insurance Exchanges. For detailed information about the Exchanges, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/exchanges .

You can access the proposed rules under “Regulations and Guidance” below.

http://cciio.cms.gov/programs/exchanges/index.html

[Downwinder]

2. Don't feel bad. After seven years I am still

confused by Part D.

[rgbecker]

3. Listen, this has been in place in Mass. for years now...no biggy....

Companies with over 50 employees have to cover their employees or pay a penalty (Tax). Some are thinking that if they cut down their work force, they won't have to provide insurance. In Massachusetts, more businesses are covering their employees than ever.

If you want to see how a health exchange works, pretend you are a Massachusetts resident and go to this site and try it out to see what you would have to pay for the various offerings of Health Insurance.

Presently in Massachusetts if your income is below something like $30,000/year your premium will be subsidized so you won't pay more than 8 or 10% of your income. If your income is above that and you can't find a policy for a premium that is 10% or less of your income, you won't have to pay a penalty for not getting coverage, but you won't have coverage either....probably no different than your present situation.

Go here and check it out:

https://www.mahealthconnector.org/portal/site/connector/template.PAGE/menuitem.55b6e23ac6627f40dbef6f47d7468a0c

No exams, no worry about pre-existing, rates only based on age and family size.