The Affordable Care Act: Resources for the Health Insurance Marketplace

In March 2010, President Obama signed comprehensive health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), into law. Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known as Exchanges, have been set up to facilitate a more organized and competitive market for buying health insurance. 

The Health Insurance Marketplace open enrollment starts October 1, 2013 and ends March 31, 2014. Coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2014 (if enrolled by December 15, 2013). Marketplaces will primarily serve individuals buying insurance on their own and small businesses. Federal subsidies in the form of premium tax credits will be available to consumers meeting income requirements to make the coverage more affordable.

This is the website for Wisconsin that you will use to apply for coverage, compare plans, and enroll. Questions?  Call 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users call 1-855-889-4325.

Español Spanish Language Materials for Service Providers Native Americans

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Want to learn more about how it works? Watch these videos:

6 minute video about the Health Insurance Marketplace APPLICATION
This video introduces an interactive online application process for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace on HealthCare.gov. Using an example of a single man from Arizona, images of computer screens from the application unfold while a narrator explains the content of each screen. The program concludes with a printable summary of the application and an explanation of what benefits will be received.

4 minute video about the Health Insurance Marketplace ENROLLMENT

This video introduces the Marketplace enrollment process for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace on HealthCare.gov. Using the same individual from the Marketplace Application video as an example, the scenario continues, as he follows step-by-step instructions on how to find and enroll in a health plan. Images of computer screens from the Marketplace enrollment process unfold while a narrator explains the content of each screen. The program concludes with a successful completion of all enrollment steps, and how to contact the health plan to submit payment.

What key dates do I need to know?

Follow this link to learn the important dates regarding the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Wisconsin Legislature approved the rejection of an optional Medicaid expansion under federal health care reform. How does this effect me?

Are you a Veteran? Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs page VA, Affordable Care Act and You.

Printable forms:

Family Application Form - For families who may need help paying for coverage

Individual Short Application Form - For single adults who may need help paying for coverage

Individual Without Financial Assistance Application Form - This form is for anyone. It does NOT let individuals apply for subsidies or tax credits to pay for costs

Marketplace Application Checklist - A checklist of information that will be helpful to gather ahead of time. Page 2 is a form for people who are eligible for insurance from their employer, but want to apply on the Marketplace anyway.

Quick facts about the Health Insurance Marketplace:

• The Health Insurance Marketplace is for people seeking insurance or who are uninsured. Generally, people who currently have insurance through their workplace, who have insurance through Medicaid/KanCare, Medicare, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Tricare or the Veterans health care program are not the target of this open enrollment period. 
• Most people will be eligible for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. 
• The Marketplace is a new way to find quality health coverage. It can help if you don’t have coverage now or if you have it but want to look at other options. 
• The Marketplace simplifies your search for health coverage by gathering the options available in your area in one place. You can compare plans based on price, benefits, and other features important to you before you make a choice. Plans will be presented in four categories – bronze, silver, gold, and platinum – to make comparing them easier. 
• Insurance plans in the Marketplace are offered by private companies. They cover the same core set of benefits called essential health benefits. No plan can turn you away or charge you more because you have an illness or medical condition. They must cover treatments for these conditions. Plans can’t charge women more than men for the same plan. Many preventive services are covered at no cost to you. 

The Public Library's role in helping people find insurance in the Marketplace?

The Affordable Care Act includes sweeping changes and a number of options in healthcare coverage. There are a wide variety of resources available online that provide information about these options, and how to choose what is best for you. The staff at many public libraries can direct patrons to those resources.

Making the correct healthcare choices requires an understanding of each person’s or family’s unique health and financial circumstances. Library staff are not trained or licensed to provide advice or to assist you in selecting a specific health plan, but can provide information and direction to public resources about the Affordable Care Act that will help you make your own choices.

This information in this post is borrowed from Arrowhead Library System's website http://als.lib.wi.us/AffordableCareAct.html