Affordable Care Act

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Health Exchange:
One major change in the delivery of health care brought about by the ACA is the development of health care exchanges, also referred to as marketplaces, which allow individuals to purchase health insurance from a list of competing plans that qualify based upon a set of minimum essential benefits.

California was one ofCC_Horz_RGB_Logo_thumb.jpg the first states in the nation to open a health care exchange, called Covered California, which allows California residents to calculate what health care plans are available to them based on their income, the number of people in their families, and age. Covered California has contracted with insurance companies that represent a mix of major insurers and smaller companies, regional and statewide doctor and hospital networks, and both for profit and nonprofit plans. Of the insurance companies, only two are available in Tuolumne County: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California.

Individual Mandate:
The ACA requires that:

• Almost all Americans be insured in some form; each person who is required, but doesn’t purchase health care coverage, will face tax penalties.
• Americans with an income of up to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) who don’t receive employer-sponsored benefits (or Medi-Cal, Medicare or military coverage) will qualify for government subsidies, a break on health insurance premiums in the form of tax credits. Although individuals can purchase insurance directly from brokers, only those who purchase through the exchange are eligible for the subsidies.
• People with a household income at or below 138% of the FPL (which in 2017 is about $16,600 for a single person), will qualify for Medi-Cal.
• Insurance companies will be required to cover all applicants, and offer the same rates regardless of pre-existing conditions, age, or gender.

Resources for Individuals:

Resources for Businesses