The start of the New Year included a new way to shop for health insurance. It also presented new protections for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals who did not previously have insurance, purchased their insurance privately or who had employer sponsored health insurance which was considered 'unaffordable' by federal definition (the cost of individual insurance exceeding 10% of the family income) could purchase insurance through the state exchange. Doing so, might entitle the individual or family to a tax credit, reducing  the total insurance cost. (The video above provides a summary of how to compare plans in the exchange.) In addition to these changes, individuals that do not have health insurance of some kind (private insurance, employer sponsored insurance, Medicaid, Tricare or Medicare) may be penalized. Click on the video link below to learn more about the tax credits and penalty. Open enrollment for coverage in 2014 lasts until March 31st.

Learn more about Nebraska's marketplace by:

• Visiting www.healthcare.gov
• Calling 1-800-318-2596
• Accessing the list of local contacts to assist with enrollment
• Contacting Nebraska's Navigators: the Community Action Agencies and Ponca Tribe or other community organizations which have in-person application counselors who can help with enrollment. Here's a list of  Community Application Counselors
• Reviewing Nebraska's 2014 rate chart 
• Looking at the marketplace resources from the NE Dept. of Insurance
• Accessing the marketplace decision appeal forms here