What You Should Know About the Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act offers an opportunity for health insurance coverage for millions of Americans who simply find it too expensive to do on their own. Health insurance has become very expensive for most people and to that effect, millions of Americans are denied proper health insurance due to pre-existing medical condition. Most people will find that this new Act who provides much needed financial relief as well as medical cover for people who could not afford this on their own.

Important Dates

There are a few important dates that you should keep in mind. October 1, 2013 is the day that the Health Insurance Marketplace opens. Individuals will be able to buy health insurance and apply for other options to see what they qualify for. Your health insurance coverage can begin as soon as January 2014, as long as you buy your medical insurance during the open enrollment period.

January 1, 2014 is the date on which purchased insurance plans will start to be effective. If you've purchased your plan later than the enrollment period, your coverage may begin later as well. March 31, 2014 is the date on which the open enrollment periods of the Marketplace closes. You cannot apply to purchase health insurance until the next open enrollment period begins.

What You Need to Apply

If you want to apply for health insurance you need to know a few things ready. You will need to gather important documents so that this information can help to determine the best type of plan and offer that you will receive. You would also find out if you are eligible for lower premiums or tax credits. You might even be approved for Medicaid. You need to have your most recent tax return or parents pay stub available, along with Social Security numbers for all the individuals you are applying for. If you have an existing health insurance plan, make sure that you have the policy number handy.

Essential Health Benefits

Health insurance companies are required by law to provide a certain amount of health insurance benefits to all their members. These benefits uphold essential health benefits and they include outpatient services, inpatient services, emergency services, prenatal, maternity and newborn care, pediatric care, preventive and wellness services, prescription drug coverage, and others. Some insurance plans may offer additional benefits to you as well.

In the near future you will be able to buy healthcare insurance even if you are sick. If you previously applied for insurance and you were denied coverage, you cannot be denied as of 2014. In addition to this, health insurance companies may not charge you more if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Women can also not be charged more just because they are female.

The only exception is that people who already have health insurance plans before 2014 may choose to keep those plans. The plan that excludes it pre-existing medical condition will then continue not to cover the expenses that relate to that condition. These plans do not need to comply with the new law; if you want insurance that covers a pre-existing condition you can apply for insurance in the marketplace.

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