September 2013

Getting prepared for ACA Plans in 2014

Barbara headshot

310-909-6135

It's been a busy month and I just wanted to share with you that I have successfully finished the certification for Covered California, the state exchange, and I also received all certifications to continue selling Medicare plans for 2014.

Is the state exchange ready for October 1?
As of today, all major carriers have not yet gotten final rate approval from the Department of Insurance in California. Furthermore, we know that the networks are narrower, but the final networks are not published yet.
In order to make an informed decision and evaluate whether to apply inside or outside the exchange, I would

wait until October 15, as by that time all ACA-plans should be published.

We agents have not received any application materials and have encountered numerous computer glitches and lockouts on Covered California.

In This Issue

Tips to get prepared for Obamacare

Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period starts October 15

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How should Californians prepare for the market exchange?

What are the best steps to prepare to apply for an ACA planfor 2014?

Tips 1 : Review your tax return of 2012 - and determine your income.

Instead of focusing on your medical health conditions, the determining factor to apply inside or outside the exchange will be your MAGI, Modified Adjusted Gross Income of your tax return of 2012. You can find it on line 38 on your 1040 form, line 22 on 1040A, or line 36 of your 1040NR tax return. If your income is under the 400% FPL (Federal Poverty Level ), meaning a single tax filer earned under $40,000 or a family of 4 earned under $92,000, then the state will pay part of your insurance premium and it makes sense to choose a plan inside the exchange, which I am certified to sell.

If your income is over this amount, then buy your health insurance outside the exchange as you do not have to declare your income, which will be checked with the IRS inside the exchange. The premium and networks are the same inside and outside the exchange but the application process outside the exchange will be much simpler.

Tip 2: Doctor & Hospital Selection:

The networks inside and outside the exchange will be much narrower than we are used to. Please write down the doctor and hospitals you want to have so that we can determine the plan that is the best fit for you.

Tip 3: Prescription

Write down the prescription since formularies will be different by insurance carrier and metal plan.

Tip 4: Paper Application

Although I am a fan of online application, I believe that the first months on Covered California might have computer glitches and the paper application might be just faster to fill out,hence you avoid being stuck in the middle of the process. As the health insurance plans are only effective in January 2014, you have plenty of time to apply with a paper application.

Tip 5: Choose me as your Agent of Record

Please consult with me prior to applying for your health insurance in 2014. I promise that I will review your individual needs and find the plan that best fits your family or business needs.

Please refer me to your friends, co-workers and the people who work for you, as in this time everyone needs solid health insurance advice.

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans and Prescription Plan Part D for 2014 will begin October 15 and ends December 7, 2013.

To learn about some of the great new local Medicare Advantage plans for 2014, please contact me at info@solidhealthinsurance.com or 310-909-6135.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Fall.

Please remember in this trying time to take a deep breath and let your agent at Solid Health Insurance Services help you to navigate through the new ACA health plans inside and outside the state exchange.

Remember love, laughter and good times are the best medicine for you.

Barbara Schmalz

Solid Health Insurance Services

310-909-6135

Referral Fee	Referrals are my lifeline! A gift certificate of $15.00 for the company of your choice will be awarded for any referred closed insurance deal.