So how many people have tried going to this site to look at rates? Did you get through? Did you get part way through, then kicked off? What now?
Here is what you need to know:
According to the federal government they have had about 20 million visitors; and less than half a million have starting the application process. While they are fixing the bugs and working out the kinks,
1) If you do not qualify for a PREMIUM TAX CREDIT, you do NOT need to go to this site. All the health insurance plans that are available through the state exchange are also available outside the exchange AT THE SAME PRICE. In addition, insurance companies such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, HumanaOne, and Aetna, can offer additional plans outside the exchange. So what does this tell you? You have more options outside the exchange. So why go there?
2) If you make less than 400% of the Federal Poverty Level, you qualify for a PREMIUM TAX CREDIT, which means the federal government will assist you in paying your health insurance premiums. Who qualifies? It is based on the number of people in your household and your total income: If you are a single person, not filing jointly and with no dependents, and you must make less than $45,960, you will qualify for a premium tax credit. (See chart below for other levels.)
48 Contiguous States and DC
Note: The 100% column shows the federal poverty level for each family size, and the percentage columns that follow represent the income levels that are commonly used as guidelines for health programs.
Household Size | 100% | 133% | 150% | 200% | 300% | 400% |
1 | $11,490 | $15,282 | $17,235 | $22,980 | $34,470 | $45,960 |
2 | 15,510 | 20,628 | 23,265 | 31,020 | 46,530 | 62,040 |
3 | 19,530 | 25,975 | 29,295 | 39,060 | 58,590 | 78,120 |
4 | 23,550 | 31,322 | 35,325 | 47,100 | 70,650 | 94,200 |
5 | 27,570 | 36,668 | 41,355 | 55,140 | 82,710 | 110,280 |
6 | 31,590 | 42,015 | 47,385 | 63,180 | 94,770 | 126,360 |
7 | 35,610 | 47,361 | 53,415 | 71,220 | 106,830 | 142,440 |
8 | 39,630 | 52,708 | 59,445 | 79,260 | 118,890 | 158,520 |
For each additional person, add | $4,020 | $5,347 | $6,030 | $8,040 | $12,060 | $16,080 |
3) You do not need to finish the government application on www.healthcare.gov in order to look at quotes or get an estimate of your subsidy. Go to GET A QUOTE on our site, enter your info, look at rates, and estimate your tax credit. If you need help, call our office: 630-279-1739.
4) In order to get insurance as of 1/1/14, you have until December 15th to apply with an insurance company. In order to avoid the TAX PENALTY for not buying health insurance in 2014, you must enroll in a plan by March 31, 2014.
If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to contact us at cathy@cbhealthinsurance.com or 630-279-1739.