January 2014

In the Eye of the Perfect Storm - Afforordable Care Act 2014

Barbara headshot

310-909-6135

Obtaining Health Insurance under the Affordable Care Act feels like being in the Eye of a Perfect Storm. The insurance carriers, along with Covered CA, insisted on having everyone transfer into the new ACA plans at the same time, although it was apparent as early as last October that the systems were not ready. Now those carriers are asking for patience and tolerance of their mistakes, as they cannot handle the volume of applications and transfers.

Personally, I feel that the patience level of Californians have been tested enough. In the last 6 weeks agents and consumers have spend many hours on phone waiting lines, frequently without receiving a satisfying answer. The performance of insurance carriers, as well as Covered CA, is particularly problematic as we are now dealing with only few insurance carriers, and they have all the power. This is in stark contrast to Europe, where you have up to 30 insurance carrier competing for business. We are dealing with fewer than a handful of insurance carriers who can "almost do what they want to do ". There are fewer choices of doctors and hospitals, the premium are high and the customer service is unbelievable low.

Will it get better?... Yes it will! - Here are some helpful hints when you receive your insurance ID.

When you receive your insurance ID card. Register online and get familiar with the carrier- so that you can find your facility of choice , see your claims history and make a payment. If you see mistakes than call your carrier and inform your agent. At the present time only by working together can we make the necessary efforts to get the insurance plan best working for you.

For a free comparison between your existing health plans and the ACA plans on and off the exchange, contact me at info@solidhealthinsurance.com

In This Issue

Tips to get prepared for Obamacare

Looking for affordable health insurance? Find a quote by using the :

Quick Links

Cigna

How to enroll in the Affordable Care Act plans?

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

Tips 1 : Prepare your tax return of 2013 - and determine your income.

Instead of focusing on your medical health conditions, the factor that will determine whether you should apply inside or outside the exchange will be your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of your tax return of 2013. 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 ), then the state will pay part of your insurance premium. (For example a single tax file earns under $ 40,000 and or a family of 4 earns under $ 92,000) In that case it makes sense to choose a plan inside the exchange, which I am certified to sell. I am
a registered agent who can apply for you at Covered California. 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 are 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 4: Choose me as your Agent of Record

I was one of the first 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.

Wishing you a very good start for 2014. Please take the time to reflect on your personal and monetary goals and what will motivate you to get the best result out of 2014.

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

Covered Ca Lic. # 200004115

CA Lic. # 0G05625

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.