The Health Insurance Marketplace is a new way for individuals to obtain health insurance
as part of the Affordable Care Act.
It is a way to make health insurance coverage available for individuals who currently
do not have access to coverage.
To use the Health Insurance Marketplace, go to healthcare.gov/families, and fill out an application. After you complete the application, you will see all
the health plans available in your area.
When can I enroll in Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment is Oct. 1, 2013, through March 31,
2014.
What happens if I don't enroll in health insurance in 2014?
Beginning Jan. 1, 2014, the Affordable Care Act requires individuals to have health insurance coverage or
pay a penalty. For an individual, the penalty is $95 annually, or 1 percent of the
family income, whichever is greater. For a child, the penalty is $47.50 annually.
The maximum penalty for a family would be either $285 annually, or 1 percent of income.
I am enrolled in health insurance coverage through my employer. Do I need to enroll
in coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace?
No. If you are enrolled in health care coverage through your employer, you do not
need to enroll in coverage through the Marketplace.
I am not eligible for health insurance through my employer right now. Will I be eligible
for health insurance through my employer in 2014?
At this time, to be eligible for health insurance, you must be employed in a position
that is benefits eligible. This may be different based on which employer you work
for. Your Human Resources office will communicate directly to employees who are affected
by these changes.
What should I do if I am not eligible for health insurance coverage through my employer?
If you are not eligible for your employer's health insurance plan, you can get information about enrolling
in health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace at healthcare.gov/families.
Georgia opted not to operate a Health Insurance Marketplace in 2014. Therefore, individuals
in Georgia will use the federal marketplace. If you are eligible, you may obtain coverage
through your spouse's health insurance or, if you are under age 26, through your parent's
health insurance.
What do I need to do if I am enrolled in health insurance coverage through my employer's
health care plan?
If you are currently enrolled in health insurance coverage through your employer,
you will need to re-enroll in this coverage during the Annual Open Enrollment period.
What should I do if I am eligible for health insurance coverage in my employer's plan
but I am not enrolled?
If you are eligible for health care coverage through your employer,but are not enrolled, you may enroll in coverage during the Annual Open Enrollment Period. Or you can shop for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
If I enroll in health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace,
will I be able to receive a tax credit or subsidy?
If you are eligible for your employer's health care plan, generally you will not receive
a subsidy if you enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace instead of the employer
plan. This is because your employer offers a plan that meets the definition of "affordable"
under the law.
Affordable, as defined under the Affordable Care Act, is a health insurance premium
that is 9.5 percent or less of household income. The Federal Government set an Affordable
Safe Harbor which means if an employer offers a health care plan with a premium at
or below the Safe Harbor, then it is deemed affordable.
The Safe Harbor is set at 9.5 percent of $11,850, which is 100 percent of Federal
Poverty level, estimated at $94 per month for individual coverage. Your employer's
plan is below the Safe Harbor premium.
Because their coverage meets the affordable definition under the law, employees eligible
for their employer's health care coverage generally will not be eligible for a subsidy
if they enroll in coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace.
I am enrolled in health insurance coverage through my spouse's employer. Do I need
to enroll in my employer's coverage also?
No. The Affordable Care Act requires that you have health insurance coverage in 2014.
The law does not require that you obtain health insurance coverage through your employer.
For instance, you may obtain coverage through your spouse's employer or through the
Health Insurance Marketplace.
Where can I get more information about the Affordable Care Act and the new Health
Insurance Marketplace?
If you have more questions about the Affordable Care Act or the new Health Insurance
Marketplace, below are some links where you can find information:
