In the 10 years since the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, was signed into law, the difficulties in keeping it viable for those who need health-care coverage have been many. It has changed in that time, and should likely continue to change in order to serve its market better, but it has survived (barely) many court challenges during the entirety of those years.
Now, it remains in force for those who need the coverage. It is easy for those who have access to health care through their employers or Medicare to belittle the value of this federal program. But for those who need the benefits, especially in the middle of a pandemic putting their health at even greater risk, it is a very serious business.
For all those who need help figuring out health-care coverage for themselves and their families, it can be found even during COVID. But everything seems harder now, doesn’t it? Don’t let that deter you from obtaining this reasonable federal coverage if you need it. Do it now.
Why now? Because Obamacare is now in its open enrollment period, which ends on Dec.15. During open enrollment, you can sign up for affordable health care plan options to protect yourself and your family members. Outside of open enrollment, you typically must qualify for a special enrollment period in order to enroll.
According to www.healthcare.gov, the law has three primary goals:
1. Make affordable health insurance available to more people. The law provides consumers with subsidies (“premium tax credits”) that lower costs for households with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
2. Expand the Medicaid program to cover all adults with income below 138% of the federal poverty level. (Not all states have expanded their Medicaid programs.)
3. Support innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the costs of health care generally.
All excellent goals. For all who need coverage and don’t now have it, it is worthwhile to look into finding it through Obamacare. And with a new administration coming in January, there may be hope for reform to the act that keeps it in force and improves it for all Americans.
Find out more by speaking to a licensed agent, or for the specific Connecticut program, go to www.accesshealthct.com. For an understanding of what is available to you in Connecticut, Health Pathfinder from Cornwall has a Community Assister program that will have hours from Dec. 11-13 (see more information in the news section, page A2 this week.)
All appointments, in person or phone call, need to be scheduled by calling 860-672-0043 x118. You should also call that phone number with any questions or concerns. For more information, you can find Health Pathfinder on Facebook or go to www.healthpathfinder.org.
