February March 2014

Open enrollment for health insurance ends soon
- Affordable Care Act 2014

Barbara headshot

310-909-6135

The Open Enrollment Period for obtaining Health Insurance under the Affordable Care Act ends March 31, 2014. This is the last month to make changes for your health insurance plan for 2014, so please contact me if you need help to find a suitable health plan.

More than 1.7 million Californians have signed up since October 1st, according to the state exchange, Covered California. At least approximately 630,000 enrollees are eligible for federal tax subsidies. Another 877,000 Californians were determined to be eligible for Medi-Cal, the state health program for the poor.

The only key question unanswered is how many uninsured have signed up versus people who already had insurance and switched plans to either get subsidies or were forced to enroll as their old plans were discontinued. So the number of 1.7 million which Covered California published does not reflect the true number of the uninsured seeking insurance. The purpose of the Affordable Care Act was to cover the uninsured no one has determined that crucial statistic at this time.

For more info on the enrollment success read my blog

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
2013 tax return and determine your income.

Instead of focusing on your medical and health conditions, the factor that will determine whether you should apply inside or outside the exchange will be your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) on your 2013 tax return. You can find it on line 38 on your 1040 form, line 22 on the 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. (As example those rates are $ 40,000 for one who files as a single and $ 92,000 for a family of 4) 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 the Federal Poverty Level(FPL) amount, then you are better off buying your health insurance outside the exchange. You would not be required to declare your income, which will be verified 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 most of us have become accustomed 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.

In this critical time of dealing with health insurance issues and long waits on the phones, please don't forget to relax and to breathe in and out.

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.