Affordable Care Act, Jim Himes, Congressman CT

[Jefferson23]

*Just a note for anyone who may need the information:



Dear Friends,

On October 1, the Health Insurance Marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act opened, allowing millions of Americans who could not already afford health insurance to get covered. This new affordable exchange will help individuals and families compare plans and find the one that’s right for them.

Already, over 1,800 Connecticut residents have purchased a new affordable health insurance plan through Connecticut’s health care exchange, Access Health CT, since the exchange opened on October 1. This intake rate is ten times higher than was experienced in Massachusetts after health care reform passed in that state in 2006.

I am happy to report that, despite the federal shutdown, the online health insurance marketplaces, where individuals can compare and purchase health insurance policies, launched as planned. This includes Access Health CT. The exchanges remain open because their funding is separate from the yearly appropriations process, which is the funding currently held hostage by the House Majority in Congress.

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misleading information spread recently regarding health care reform. These partisan misrepresentations serve merely as a distraction from the fact that health care reform is helping protect patients, expand consumer choice, and ensure greater access to health insurance. As your representative, I want to make sure you have the best information on how these new changes to the health care system will affect you.

The most important thing to remember is that if you are happy with your current private plan or are on Medicare, you will not have to change a thing. The Connecticut marketplace was set up to provide access to affordable health insurance to the uninsured and to those who do not already get insurance through their employer. Most middle class families that do not get insurance through their employer will qualify for an instant tax credit to help pay for their new plans. Members of Congress are required by law to purchase their insurance through these exchanges.

Connecticut’s marketplace, Access Health CT, is now open. The coverage you purchase through this exchange, should you choose to do so, will go into effect on January 1, 2014. If you qualify for an instant premium tax credit, this credit will apply automatically to your monthly premiums so that you get the savings instantly. To see if you qualify for an instant tax credit, check Access Health CT’s savings calculator.

In addition to the new marketplace, starting in January 2014, Connecticut will expand Medicaid to individuals under 65 years old who make up to $14,000 per year and families of four making up to $29,000 per year. In addition, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility and enrollment will be much simpler and coordinated with the Marketplace. You can apply for Medicaid coverage at http://www.ct.gov/dss.

Thank you for reading this. You can find more detailed information at this webpage, and if you have any questions regarding health care reform, you are welcome to call my office at [phone].

Sincerely, Jim

Contact Information
Washington DC Office
119 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Bridgeport CT Office
211 State Street, 2nd Floor
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Stamford CT Office
888 Washington Boulevard, 10th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]