Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Affordable Care Fact: What will happen if I don't get insurance?

The deadline to sign up for a healthcare is March 31. Anyone who has not signed up for health coverage by then will be charged a penalty. The penalty in 2014 will be calculated one of two ways . . . either 1 percent of the annual household income or $95 per person for the year, whichever is higher. If there is a child in the home under the age of 18 the penalty will be $47.50 for that child.
The penalties increase next year to 2 percent of the yearly household income or $325 per person. The penalty for children will be $162.50.
Choosing to pay the penalty may not save you as much as you think. Many consumers are  eligible for insurance plans at surprisingly low rates. Those who choose to pay the penalty will receive nothing for it, and will still be responsible for the full bill for any of their routine or emergency medical expenses. A one-time trip to the emergency room can run into thousands of dollars making insurance the smarter choice.
Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act ends March 31st so time is running out for you to get signed up. To learn more, call me at Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC at 440-255-5700 to discuss your options. Let me help you choose the coverage that makes the most sense for you, your family and your budget.

 

Monday, January 6, 2014

The positive side of the Affordable Care Act




Let's face it. The Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform) got off to a rocky start.  For months, we have been hearing all the negative about the program. But in spite of all the bad publicity, there are a lot of good things about the Affordable Care Act that will be life changing for you and your family.  Let’s take a few moments to put aside everything we have been hearing and take a look at some of the positive aspects of it.


Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
Health insurers can no longer raise your premiums, refuse to cover you or drop you from your plan because you have cancer, asthma, diabetes, arthritis - - - or any other medical condition.  You will be able to get health insurance coverage regardless of any pre-existing conditions.


Coverage will Include Preventive Care

Diabetes and cholesterol screenings, mammograms and immunizations are all covered. This means you can catch the little things before they turn into bigger problems. Your coverage will also include services like flu shots, and smoking cessation and diet counseling to make staying healthy a lot easier.

Under the law, children under age 19 will be able to get their teeth cleaned twice a year, as well as receive X-rays, fillings and medically necessary orthodontia. In addition, children under age 19 will be entitled to an eye exam and one pair of glasses or set of contact lenses a year.
Lifetime Dollar Limits are Gone
In the past, health insurers could set a limit on how much your plan would pay over a specified period of time. If you had a bad year or an expensive illness, your coverage might run out. This dollar limit will be fully phased out.


Financial Help with Tax Credit or a Subsidy
Many people will qualify for a tax credit or a subsidy if they purchase coverage through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Not everyone will qualify for this help, but if your earnings are below a certain level and you don’t have access to other affordable coverage through an employer-sponsored plan or state assisted plan like Medicaid, you may qualify for this financial assistance.


The plan you select will determine your premiums, deductibles and co-pays. Call me at 440-255-5700 to learn more. I’ll help you choose the coverage that makes the most sense for you, your family and your budget. Let’s get started today. I can be reached at 440-255-5700 or email at lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com. For more information, visit her website at www.mutskoinsurance.com