Affordable Care Act (ACA)/Obamacare

Caduceus with First-aid Kit

What is the Affordable Care Act (ACA)/Obamacare?

Signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) launched comprehensive health insurance reforms with the goal to improve access, affordability and quality of health care. Nicknamed “Obamacare,” key features of the law include free preventive services, tax credits for middle and low-income families that cover a significant portion of the cost of coverage and expanded Medicaid to cover more low-income Americans, and small business tax credits. In addition, those with Medicare are eligible for key preventive services at no cost, and also receive a 50 percent discount on brand-name drugs in the Medicare “donut hole,” among other benefits.

 

Improving Access, Affordability & Quality

The ACA is making strides in improving access, affordability and quality in health care. Since its inception, about 17.6 million uninsured people now have health insurance coverage – the largest reduction that the country has seen in four decades. New protections under the ACA, including for those who get employer-provided health insurance, have contributed to a higher quality in available coverage.

 

Marketplace Eligibility

If you don’t have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or another source that provides qualifying coverage, the ACA Marketplace can help you get covered.

 

To be eligible for enrollment, you:

  • Must live in the United States
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present). Learn about eligible immigration statuses.
  • Can't be incarcerated
  • If you have Medicare coverage, you’re not eligible to use the Marketplace to buy a health or dental plan.

 

All Americans are required to obtain health insurance coverage under the ACA. A penalty will be imposed on individuals who fail to obtain minimum essential coverage. In 2016 the penalty for an individual is $695 or 2.5 percent of their household income – whichever is greater.

Enroll to avoid the penalty! For more details, contact our office.