Obamacare, officially known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), was signed into effect nationwide in 2010 and enforcement began in 2014. The intent of Obamacare was to increase access to healthcare through expanding Medicaid programs, protecting consumers from being discriminated against due to pre-existing health conditions, opening a regulated Marketplace to shop for cost-efficient health insurance options, and requiring all U.S. citizens to have minimum health insurance coverage.
Obamacare’s Effect on Tennessee Health Insurance
Tennessee has not taken an active role in participating in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The two main steps from Obamacare (Medicaid expansion and the having a state-run exchange) have not been put in place. Regardless, the subsidies offered in the Federal Marketplace and avoiding fees have encouraged more new enrollments, which has decreased the uninsured population from 16.8% to 11.7%. The uninsured rate, however, is still higher than the national average, which is 9.1%, according to the National Health Interview Survey.
What Tennessee Residents Should Know About Obamacare in Tennessee
The Pros and Cons of Tennessee Obamacare
Tennessee Obamacare has made health insurance coverage available to thousands that could not previously afford care. It has also been successful at encouraging open conversation about the need for healthcare reform. As a result, there have been discussions around Medicaid reform that would not necessarily expand the program but would offer coverage to thousands of residents that do not have access to coverage today. Finally, Obamacare in Tennessee has successfully eliminated denial of care based on pre-existing conditions and has disabled Tennessee companies from charging a higher premium based on race or gender.
There are criticisms of Obamacare in Tennessee that while access to health insurance coverage has increased, the Tennessee middle class has actually suffered significantly due to the increase in high deductible plans. This is especially true as rates continue to rise year after year for the carriers offered on the exchange as coverage options. If an individual does not qualify for subsidies, this could very likely put their current selection out of reach for their budget. In addition, there is currently a notable struggle in getting re-enrollments, especially for the healthy young adult population who would rather pay the fine for not having coverage than be responsible for monthly health insurance premiums they cannot afford.
Obamacare Health Plan Categories and How Much You Will Pay
When shopping in the Tennessee Obamacare Marketplace, there are four primary health plan categories you can choose from: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The categories determine the percentage of healthcare costs that the plan will pay for over a course of a year. The remaining percentage is what you will be expected to pay.
These percentage differences greatly impact how much you may expect to pay for care. Think about it this way: If the bronze plan pays for 60% of a benefit, then as the patient, you can expect to pay for the remaining 40%. While this plan will cost you less monthly, it leaves you financially responsible for a larger dollar amount than a platinum plan, which pays for 90% of a benefit.
Here are the different kinds of Obamacare plans as well as the average amount of healthcare services each plan pays for:
- Bronze plan - 60%
- Silver plan - 70%
- Gold plan - 80%
- Platinum plan - 90%
How do I sign up for Obamacare in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Obamacare Marketplace and exchange can be accessed through the federal government website or by calling (800) 318-2596.
What are the Obamacare Marketplace and exchange?
The Marketplace is a central location to look for insurance options and enroll in selected coverage. In the case of Obamacare, Tennessee utilizes a Federally-Facilitated Marketplace (FFM), which means that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services operates and manages the Marketplace where public health insurance plans are offered.
Do I need to use an exchange?
To access public health insurance, you will need to go through the government exchange. The only exception to personally using the exchange to sign up for Obamacare in Tennessee is if you are able to seek help from a Tennessee certified counselor or a private insurance agent who can discuss your options and select a plan, on your behalf, through the exchange.
How do I use an exchange?
You can use the exchange one of four ways:
- Visit healthcare.gov
- Use the telephone support assistance available by calling (800) 318-2596
- Find a local certified counselor
- Seek help from a private insurance agent
What does it mean to be on-exchange or off-exchange?
On-exchange generally refers to purchasing health insurance coverage from the Obamacare Tennessee Marketplace while off-exchange normally refers to purchasing private health insurance coverage from a private company.
When is the Obamacare enrollment deadline and what do I do if I missed it?
The Obamacare open enrollment period for 2017 in Tennessee is from November 1, 2016 until January 31, 2017. If you miss enrollment, you would need to qualify for a special enrollment period due to a qualifying life event or purchase short term individual private insurance to avoid a penalty.
What is the Obamacare penalty if I don’t buy health insurance?
If you do not buy Obamacare or other qualifying health coverage (also referred to as “minimum essential coverage”) you will be subject to a tax penalty for each month you go without coverage. This fee should be paid when you file your federal tax return. In some special cases, there are exemptions to this penalty.
The Obamacare penalty for 2016is either 1) 2.5% of your household income, with a maximum of the price of a Bronze plan sold through the Marketplace, or 2) $695 per adult and $347.50 per child under 18 yrs of age with a maximum of $2,085. You will pay whichever of the two options is higher.
The Obamacare penalty for 2017 is fairly similar to 2016 with the percentage fee of 2.5% remaining the same, however, the flat fee will be adjusted for inflation.
What if I cannot afford Obamacare?
If you cannot afford to pay for Obamacare coverage, you may be able to qualify for a government subsidy. For more information on government subsidies visit the HealthCare.gov website.
What are the alternatives to Obamacare?
Any health insurance coverage that meets the minimum essential coverage, as set forth in the Affordable Care Act, can be used, whether this coverage is received through an employer, private insurance company, or purchased through a private exchange.
There are several alternatives available when selecting coverage. You can select one of the available alternatives on the Marketplace, purchase one of the many options available on the private exchange, or see if you are eligible for subsidized programs through Tennessee’s Medicaid program.
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