Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers individuals and families better access to affordable health insurance options. These include medical, dental, vision, and other types of health insurance that might or might not be available otherwise. Under this Act:
- You can purchase healthcare coverage through a state or federal marketplace that offers a variety of plans
- Insurers cannot refuse coverage based on a pre-existing condition or your gende
- There are no annual or lifetime limits on coverage
- Young adults, under the age of 26, can stay on their family’s insurance plan
- Seniors who avail for Medicare Prescription Drug Plan coverage gap can avail a discount on medications
You can enroll for the Affordable Care Act via the following ways:
- Visit the official HealthCare.gov website to apply for the benefits of ACA Health Insurance Marketplace. Alternatively, you'll be directed to your state's health insurance marketplace website
- Reach out to the Marketplace call center
- Speak to a representative at a local center near you, to apply or ask questions
- Download the application form and apply by email
Continuation of Health Coverage: COBRA
Here’s how you can continue your health coverage via COBRA. Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act i.e. COBRA allows workers and their families to stay a part of the employee's group health insurance plan for a limited time after a change in eligibility.
The basic requirements that you must meet to enroll for COBRA continuation coverage are:
- Your group health plan must be covered by COBRA
- A qualifying event such as reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, voluntary or involuntary job loss, death, or divorce, must occur
- You should be a qualified beneficiary for that occurring event
You must be given at least 60 days to decide whether to elect it, in case you are entitled to COBRA continuation coverage.
Long-Term Care
Long-Term care services include medical and non-medical care for people who have chronic illnesses or disabilities.To avail long-term health services or to enroll for long-term health insurance, you must be an individual who is unable to independently perform daily basic activities such as eating, bathing, walking, dressing or using the washroom.
Most long-term care insurance policies offer a specific dollar benefit per day. The benefit provided for home care is almost half of what is offered as a nursing home benefit. However, some policies pay the same for both forms of care. A few other plans pay only for your actual expenses. It’s important to note that if you purchase a long-term care policy before the age of 60, the fixed daily benefit may not be enough by the time you need it.
Health Insurance and Resources for People with Disabilities
In case you suffer from a disability, the government offers three health coverage options:
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Medicare -
This provides medical health insurance to people under the age of 65 with certain disabilities, and any age with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant)
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Medicaid -
A government initiative that offers free or low-cost medical benefits to people with disabilities
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Affordable Care Act Marketplace -
This Act offers options to people who need health coverage and have a disability, but don’t qualify for disability benefits
Here’s how you can get more information about health care resources available to people with disabilities:
- Visit CDC.gov and explore the Disability and Health section for articles, programs, and tips for healthy living
- Read about benefits for people with disabilities from the Social Security Administration
- Reach out to your local city or county government to learn what medical and health services are available locally for people with disabilities
- You can also contact your state social service agency to locate medical and health programs