What is the Indiana Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) holds the promise of extending coverage to more than 25 million uninsured Americans through public programs and private-sector health insurance expansions. Indiana’s Health Insurance Marketplace will allow eligible individuals to compare health insurance options, select a plan that both meets their budget and their needs, and then enroll in the plan they have selected.
When does the enrollment period begin?
November 1, the federal government will launch open an enrollment period to offer affordable health care insurance to eligible individuals through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
What kind of information will the Marketplace provide?
The Marketplace will provide Hoosiers with information on insurance options, allow them to pay for the& coverage they select, and enable them to find out if they’re eligible for public health coverage programs such as Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Will I qualify?
Qualifying for the Marketplace will depend on what kind of employer-provided coverage is available to you. If you have access to employer-provided coverage that is considered “affordable” and meets minimum value, you won’t be able to get lower costs on premiums or out-of-pocket costs in the Marketplace.
Is there any way to estimate how much I might spend on enrollment?
The Kaiser Family Foundation has created a calculator that estimates estimated health insurance premiums and subsidies for individuals purchasing insurance on their own in new health insurance exchanges. With this calculator, you can specify your income level, age, and family size to get an idea of what you can expect to spend on health insurance and whether you will be eligible for any subsidies.
If enrollment doesn’t begin until November, why worry about it now?
While enrollment does not officially open until Nov. 1, now is a good time to familiarize oneself with the Marketplace and begin asking what it is you want and need out of a health insurance plan. By answering those questions now, you will make the process much easier when enrollment begins. A clear understanding of the resources are available is of the utmost importance so you can select an insurance plan that best meets your and your family’s budget and health care needs.
Contact an Affordable Care Act (ACA) expert.
The State of Indiana has created a directory that helps you find out where to direct questions at the federal and state levels. View the local agents/brokers/assisters, who can help you navigate the health insurance marketplace.
Learn more about the health insurance marketplace.