Dipping into your State Health Insurance Pool - What Are The Requirements?
Dipping into your State Health Insurance Pool - What Are The Requirements?
As healthcare reform becomes a reality for many Americans, the long-sought goal of universal coverage is now a possible reality with the passage of the Affordable Care Act. But what does this mean for those who remain uninsured or are struggling to meet their deductible? That's where picking up your insurance from your state comes in. There are 19 states that allow you to purchase an insurance plan outside of their plans (New York doesn't offer such a program), though premiums vary depending on location and provider.
While all states have their own requirements for joining the pool, you often need to meet a deductible before insurance kicks in. For example, New York state requires a $2,000 deductible but will cover health insurance costs up to this amount as long as you have no health conditions. [1] Those who remain uninsured in New York will want to look into their state's pre-existing condition provision when choosing a plan.
States also vary in whether they offer plans with varying amounts of coverage (based on age). For example, Oregon offers Medicare-like coverage with lower premiums for those aged 55 and up. On the other hand, Massachusetts offers an insurance plan that provides robust coverage protection for many ages from 19-64.
If you're looking for a new plan, you'll want to check out the options in your state. The best rate may lie with your state's program. If it doesn't meet your needs, then you'll need to look into purchasing insurance through the individual market, which is often more expensive than plans offered through your state. After all, despite its flaws and drawbacks, Obamacare is still better than nothing at all. [2]
For more information on your state's health insurance options and requirements visit: http://healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/03/state_health_insurance_pools.html
To see which states offer insurance outside of their health insurance pools, click here: http://www.costofcare.org/state-insurance-rules/
About Cost of Care: Cost of Care is the nation's largest consumer health marketplace that offers member discounts on prescription medications, vision care and dental care. The site has more than 2 million members from all 50 states that are able to search and compare thousands of providers and procedures to find the best value from a local provider in their area powered by DocFinder® from Paperless Medical. To learn more about Cost of Care, please visit www.costofcarefree.com or call (973) 790-0256 [3] . [1] http://healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/03/state_health_insurance_pools.html [2] http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts-and-features/index.html#part=3 [3] http://www.costofcarefree.com
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Dipping-Into-Your-State-Health-Insurance-Pool--What--Are--The--Requirements?&id=171470 [4]
See Related: http://www.costofcare.org/state-insurance-rules/
The Basics to Consider When Choosing Health Insurance in New York State
By Heidi Strauss. M.A., CCC, CCS, AEP is a freelance writer who has published articles on diabetes in Colorado Springs and the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Action Network magazine and website. As a consultant, she assists with marketing and communications for health plans, large employers and healthcare reform advocates.</a > <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Basics-to-Consider-When-Choosing-Health-Insurance-in-New-York,-State?&id=1839188">Published on ezinearticles.com</a > Feb 4, 2013
Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, the number of uninsured Americans has dropped from its peak of 17% to 15.9%. While this is good news for anyone looking for health insurance in New York, it's important to understand what's available and what it offers before choosing a plan.
Here are five key things to consider before choosing a New York health plan.
1) What is the state-run health insurance pool?
Nearly all states have a public insurance program that enrolls those who are not able to afford coverage through an employer or individual market because of income or pre-existing medical conditions. New York was one of the 19 states that opted out of creating a state-run exchange, so residents looking for health insurance through the state will need to go through an outside marketplace. If you don't know whether you qualify, check out this list of medical conditions and income guidelines from the Empire Center for Public Policy in Albany: http://www.empirecenter.org/health/state-health-insurance-pools .
2) What do the plans cover?
Your New York health plan will need to comply with the Affordable Care Act, so it will come with a set of 10 essential benefits: http://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-the-essential-healthbenefits/ . These include things like hospitalization, prescription drugs and treatment for mental health issues. Your plan must also offer certain preventive care services with no cost to the consumer. These services include many types of immunizations as well as mammograms and colonoscopies for those over 50 years old.
3) How does New York compare with the rest of the country?
New York offers a number of different plans with different features. State exchange shoppers can choose from three levels of coverage: bronze, silver and gold. Gold plans have some of the most robust coverage for older people, but require higher premiums. Drivers can choose a level based on how much they drive (e.g., if you drive less than 10 miles a day, you would get bronze or silver). There are also two tiers for those between ages 50 and 64: silver A and gold B. The first tier requires higher premiums but provides more comprehensive benefits; whereas the second offers fewer benefits at a lower premium rate.
Conclusion
Insurers in New York are required to offer a minimum plan for everyone, regardless of age. Check out the details of your New York health plan to see what it covers. You may be surprised at what you have access to, even when you live outside of New York City. Understanding the differences between health plans will help you choose the coverage that fits your needs.
Understanding The Affordable Care Act - A Guide By NYS Health Marketplace [5] (Link: http://www.healthcare.ny.gov/pdf/20100205_ACA-Guide_and_FAQs_2012.pdf)
For more information on your state's health insurance options and requirements visit: http://healthcare.