Facing the health care battle

Health care is a red-hot topic right now, mainly because of new rules under the federal Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) that take effect on Jan. 1.

Many people are still unsure of what the law requires.

Across the U.S. and in Oregon, government websites designed to explain new health insurance options and costs have crashed or have yet to function properly, adding more confusion and frustration.

As deadlines fast approach, The Advocate asked Janet Campbell, head of the MHCC political science department head, to share the top five things students should know about the new health insurance program.

Her response:

1)        Most people will be required to have insurance.

2)        Anyone under 27 years old can still be covered on his or her parents’ insurance plan.

3)        Many individuals may qualify for subsidies (financial or other support) to help pay for coverage. Students should seek out assistance with this, since it can be a “complicated decision,” Campbell said.

4)        Pre-existing health conditions must be covered under the new Act – a major change under the health care reforms.

5)        Lastly, individuals who do not enroll in a plan by the deadline face a federal fine: $95 or 1 percent of their income, (whichever is greater for the first year). In the second year, the potential fine jumps to $695 or 2.5 percent of the person’s income. So, there is strong incentive to get enrolled in a health insurance plan, for anyone not already enrolled in a plan that is approved for 2014.

 

Enrollment deadlines have shifted recently, but as of right now, here are a few important ones to know:

Dec. 15 is the last day to enroll to make sure you are covered by the first of the year; by Jan. 1, most Americans must have insurance; after March 31, insurance marketplaces operated by each state will close.

All adults must enroll by the March 31, but it will be better to do it by the end of 2013, Campbell advised.

People are also wondering if they may keep their existing insurance. Yes and no, Campbell said: The government has new minimum standards for acceptable insurance coverage. If these standards are met under one’s current insurance company, the insurance policy may be retained. If the standards fall short, the policy will be cancelled.

Students who do not currently have health insurance are advised to visit their state’s website for government-provided information on  health car options.

The Washington state website is up and running (at least at times), and Oregon’s troubled website finally also was functioning, as of Dec. 5.

On the government websites, users may enter their personal information (age, income, etc.) and see what plans are available.

For such complicated choices, it helps to work with a “navigator” (a health care adviser), especially for someone who has not shopped around for health insurance before, Campbell said.

The new health care system may be quite different and confusing to people, yet the intent is fair health care for all, she noted.

To begin researching options, check these websites:

 

www.coveroregon.com for Oregon residents;

www.wahealthplanfinder.org for Washington residents;

www.healthcare.gov is the federal website.