The private, individual
health plans sold through the online exchange will provide a package of 10
essential benefits, including emergency services, hospital care, lab services,
prescription drugs, doctor visits, preventive care, rehab services and
maternity care. Though these are covered in the employer-provided coverage,
individual plans did not have these covers.
Four levels of coverage are
provided - Bronze will have lowest premiums but highest out of pocket costs,
the insurer will pay for 60% of the costs. Platinum will have highest premiums
but lowest deductibles and co-payments, the insurer will pay will for 90% of
the costs while the individual pays for 10%.
Enrollment will begin on 1
st
October and a single application will suffice, whether you are eligible for a
low - income plan through Medicaid or even when you qualify for a tax credit.
www.healthcare.gov will give you all the information you will require to choose a plan to
suit your lifestyle.
There will be toll-free
helpline, where specially trained people called "navigators" are there to sort
out any difficulties you may face; they will help you in an unbiased way as
they are trained only to guide you.
The Marketplace will give you
control over your health insurance options and, for many people, offer a break
on costs. Coverage starts on Jan. 1.
References :
Hannah Punitha (IRDA Licence Number:
2710062)
Bob Moos, April 2013
Source: Medindia
