What are the best steps to prepare to apply for an ACA plan
 for 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. In that case it  makes sense to choose a plan inside the exchange, which I am certified to sell. I am one of the few agents who has finished their licensing process and received a Covered California License number. Read My Fact Sheet

If your income is over this amount, then buy your health insurance outside the exchange.  Then you do not have to declare your income, which will be checked with the IRS inside the exchange. While the premium and networks are the same inside and outside the exchange, 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: Paper Application

Although I am a fan of online application, as we encountered many computer glitches at Covered California. Therefore, I believe that a paper application might be just faster to complete,and 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 4: Choose me as your Agent of Record

I am one of the few agents on the West Side of Los Angeles who successfully received a Covered California License Number. Click on the link to find me. 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.

Also, please refer me to your friends, co-workers and employees to me, as in this time everyone needs solid health insurance advice.

Read more tips to navigate through the new ACA plans by clicking here