coveredca.com - Just went there to do the ACA worksheet.

[cbayer]

It's a great site and really easy to access. I was able to see what policies are available to me, the costs and the coverage.

I was also able to fill out a contact form and the way I want to be contacted (email).

Be aware that the official website is coveredca.com and NOT coveredcalifornia.com.

If you haven't done so already, check it out.

Very, very pleased with the site, the offered policies and the prices.

[NYC_SKP]

1. I'll get a Gold plan for less than 1/2 my current COBRA

Similar benefits and copays.

[cbayer]

2. I'm going with the Silver I think.

It will cost me less than a third of what I was quoted last year when I was looking at buying something independently.

Very happy, but will continue to tread cautiously between now and the first of the year.

Just my luck - something catastrophic will happen on December 31!!

[NYC_SKP]

17. Do you have any idea if we can drop COBRA before January???

Or am I stuck with 1429/month because it's available?

[cbayer]

18. I think you have the option to drop COBRA anytime you want.

[NYC_SKP]

19. The reason I ask is... I want to get an ACA plan at the end of the month and not wait.

...and, as I understand it, we can't get ACA before January 1 if we already have access to a plan, an "affordable" plan, and my COBRA is a guaranteed available to me plan for another year or better, but it costs a lot!

I'm probably going to have to call them to find out for certain.

Also, the page that lists Bronze Silver Gold Platinum plans in four columns with a price at the bottom of each columns...

Those prices go away when I reveal the four companies offering each level of the plan.

In the case of Gold, for example, the four-column page reads $605, but the four plans offered run from $654 to $693.

For Platinum, the $693 on the four column page becomes four plans that cost $759 - $993.

I don't understand that part.

[pinto]

20. No ACA plan is effective until Jan. 1, regardless of current coverage. Dec. 15 is the filing date.

So you have some time to look at options. If you go for an ACA option you can cancel your COBRA as of 1/1/14. That's my understanding of the process. As always, good to get some verification from your COBRA, ACA administrators. I've found in the past that asking for clarification can work.

Are you accessing the CA website or the federal website?

[NYC_SKP]

21. Using CoveredCa. It was lagging and then started working better.

I was under the impression that some folks without coverage could begin coverage sooner.

Thanks!

[pinto]

22. I don't think anything's available 'till 1/1. Save for expanded Medi-Cal access. Not sure on that.

Hang in there!

[NYC_SKP]

24. Just got it, over the phone, thanks to a man named Osama.

You have to love that.

I was ready to pull the trigger on a $654 gold plan but he suggested we look at the $544 silver plan with identical annual out-of-pocket costs and only slightly different co-pays.

Math for my monthly savings:

$1,432.49 - $544.41 = $888.08

Color me delighted!

Coverage set to begin 1/1, as you said.

[pinto]

25. Congrats!

Glad you found a plan and a rep that works for you.

[cbayer]

23. I haven't had any problems like the ones you describe.

The calculator is giving you estimates.

I had checked the box asking that someone get in touch with me to actually enroll, but no one has so far.

[Tumbulu]

3. I cannot figure out how to deal with the income

is it last year's or estimate of next years? And if it is last year, they tell me to look on my tax return after the medical insurance deduction, which lowers my income into the medical range. But I have my own farm/business and used to not be eligible for medical because of the farm assets. Any ideas of how to deal with the income when one has wildly fluxuating income year to year?

[cbayer]

4. I heard a story on this and I think there is a formula that lead to a "guestimate"

and then the subsidy you receive will be based on actual income.

For the calculator, I would use what you think it will be next year.

[SHRED]

15. It's based on current income

Meaning you can readjust if it changes.

[Tumbulu]

16. Those of us who are self employed

often have fluctuating income. If I use my 2012 return, I get medical. If I estimate this year's I would get subsidies. I really am confused about this. I called and spoke with someone who really did not uderstand the nuances of the tax returns either. As a small business I get to depreciate assets on my farm, take my current healthcare expenses off the taxable income. If I remove those things I would get subsidized. If I do not, then I am in the medicare range.

It is really unfortunate. I am not the only self employed farmer in the stat, I am sure!

[PasadenaTrudy]

5. If I go with one of the ACA plans...

my monthly premium will be much more. By hundreds of dollars. Not sure what to do at this point. I'll wait and see. I want to make sure the hospital i'm closest to is covered by the plans offered.

[cbayer]

6. I would assume, then, that your employer is picking up a chunk of your premium

right now.

Is that right?

[PasadenaTrudy]

8. No

I pay for my ins. all myself.

[cbayer]

9. Are you going to be able to keep your present policy or do you have to switch to one of the

exchange plans.

It's hard to understand how your premiums would rise.

The premiums that I am offered at the site are about 1/3 of what they were when I shopped for insurance prior to the exchange.

[PasadenaTrudy]

10. How old are you?

I turn 50 in Jan. so price going up no matter what. If I go with the exchange plans, I'll need Gold or Platinum as my health is not great and i'm on several meds.

[cbayer]

11. I am 58 and have been without any kind of insurance for about 8 years.

The gold and platinum plans are significantly more expensive. When I looked at my options, the out-of-pocket caps made the Silver plan a decent deal for me.

[PasadenaTrudy]

14. My boyfriend

has been without ins. for ages. I'm so glad he can finally get covered! I think he will go with the Silver plan as well.

[savalez]

7. I checked it out and it's great.

I liked seeing the new companies offering health insurance instead of just the usual two blue ones.

Looks like we will save money next year.

Here's the link: http://www.coveredca.com/

Thanks cbayer.

[antiquie]

12. How do know where their doctors are?

I am beyond thrilled. Price and products are not the only question for me. I need doctors in my part of the county. Do you know how to determine that? I think I'm missing it.

[savalez]

13. For the Blue Insurance companies -

Blue Shield and Blue Cross - after you become a member you will be able to log into their websites and do a Doctor search from there. I assume the new Insurance companies will be similar. If you qualify for Medical (Free) you can go to that website, walk in to a local office or call them directly.