How many times in the last 6 months did you go visit a doctor? I guess at least once, if not more, even if you are a fitness freak. If you have a family and kids, I am pretty sure you must have visited the pharmacist a couple of times. Have you calculated the total bills you have paid towards your health care?
If you are covered by a health insurance plan, you can save a huge amount from those bills. 16.2% of Americans were uninsured in 2009, but the number reduced to 9.2% in 2015. The implementation of Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 has made health insurance affordable for many.
If you have come across about Obamacare, you must be aware about paying a penalty for not having a health insurance.
How to get a health insurance plan now? With the Open Enrollment 2016 having ended in January 1, 2016, buying health insurance plan through the marketplace is not possible anymore in 2016.
Of course, if you can show certain reasons like- change of location, ending of your previous plan, marriage or divorce, or even a child birth, you may get to buy health coverage now. Those who have missed the Open Enrollment can try to get themselves covered through the Special Enrollment now. However, you will have to check if you satisfy the required conditions to be able to enroll.
No such event in your life recently, and yet you want to get a health insurance now? Check the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid plans. You may apply for the low-cost health insurance through CHIP and Medicaid any time you wish.
Health Insurance Plan- Medicaid and CHIP
These two programs provide low-cost health coverage plans to thousands of Americans. The plans are specially designed for low-income families, individuals, children and expecting mothers. Moreover, Medicaid provides various subsidies to the elderly citizens and those with various physical disabilities. Some of the states have also expanded on their Medicaid plans so that people who are 133% to 400% of the Federal poverty Level (FPL) can be brought under coverage.
Check if you qualify for Medicaid according to your income
Depending on your family size and the state you live in, you may qualify:
- Health insurance plans with subsidies on the basis of your income.
- If you qualify for Medicaid program based only on your income while your state is expanding the Medicaid plan.
If you are still wondering how to get health insurance plan, you may check if you qualify for subsidies in the state you belong to. The following table is for 2 earning members looking for health insurance plan in Arizona:
| Household income in 2016 (Estimated) | Subsidies you may qualify |
| >$22,108 | You are entitled to free low-cost health coverage provided by Medicaid, solely based on your incomeYou may apply for Medicaid any time. In case you are not Qualified for Medicaid, you may be qualified for a Marketplace plan plus subsidies (on the basis of your income) |
| $22,108-$39,825 | You qualify for a Marketplace plan having low premiums per month + out-of-pocket cost subsidies (copays and deductibles)To get out-of-pocket subsidies, you need a plan from Silver, but only in case you have a qualifying life eventThese life events can be either- having a baby, adopting a child, getting married or applying for a divorce, end of previous coverage, etc.Applying for 2016 health care coverage with Special Enrollment Period |
| $39,826-$63,720 | You qualify for a Marketplace health coverage with monthly premiums that are lessYou may qualify outside Open Enrollment only in case of a qualifying life eventIf you qualify for Special Enrollment owing to certain qualifying life event like marriage, bearing a child, etc.In case you are applying for this year’s coverage with Special Enrollment Period |
| <63,720 | You do not qualify for subsidies in a Health Insurance Marketplace. |
We just provided you an example of how you can get health insurance plan now. However, you may not be fully satisfied with the answers we have provided. Additionally, you may purchase an insurance policy online, there are agency writers who will underwrite your health insurance plan with savings for you. Also, there are many insurers, independent health insurance agents, and commercial agents who may help you provide access to different health insurance packages available in the marketplace.
