How to Qualify for Obamacare

The term “Obamacare” is used in many different ways to reference the health insurance industry since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). When some people hear “Obamacare” they think of cheap or free insurance; some think of insurance provided through the government; some simply think of health insurance that they do not want. The fact of the matter is that health care reform under the ACA regulates various aspects of how the insurance companies can offer polices to the public. Some of the major regulations include a minimal level of coverage for any policy (free preventative care, maternity and mental health coverage to name a few), enrollment windows for new policies and the option to get reduced rates by applying through the health insurance marketplace. So if you find yourself asking “How to qualify for Obamacare” there are a couple different factors that could come into play.

Since one of the biggest aspects of the ACA regulation is removing the ability for insurance companies to deny you coverage for pre-existing conditions, your health can not disqualify you for Obamacare. Here is a list of items that will help you determine if you qualify for Obamacare:

To qualify for Obamacare enrollment:

• You must be under 65
• You must have an eligible enrollment
  • Special enrollments are granted up to 60 days after a major life event
  • Open enrollment is available November through January
• You must be a US citizen or national
• You cannot be currently incarcerated
• You cannot also be enrolled in Medicare
• You cannot also be enrolled in Medicaid
• You cannot also be enrolled in group insurance through a job, someone else’s job or any other small group

To qualify for Obamacare reduced rates:

• You  must fall within the government mandated poverty level, or only slightly above the poverty level (falling below the poverty level will disqualify you for reduced rates)
• If married, you must file taxes jointly with your spouse
• You cannot also be eligible for Medicare
• You cannot also be eligible for full Medicaid
• You must enroll through the federal health insurance marketplace, or through your state’s exchange if it has one.
• You must provide all the necessary information about your work status, as well as that of your immediate family’s work status
• You must agree to receive a tax subsidy from the government, which is automatically applied to your monthly health insurance premium
• You must choose a health insurance policy from a limited list of options
• You may have to choose a plan with a limited network of doctors and hospitals
• You must agree that if any of your financial or family information changes you will notify the marketplace immediately

Submit your questions below, share with your friends or start a conversation in the comments!