Frequently Asked Questions
ACA questions and answers
Below is a list of the most common questions about ACA policies answered by the experts. If you have questions that are not answered here, feel free to call us.
Answer: ACAAgent.com is a licensed insurance agency that specializes in helping individuals and families enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. We are contracted with ‘A’ rated carriers, giving us access to a wide array of plans and options to fit your unique needs.
Answer: The Affordable Care Act, also known as “Obamacare,” is a comprehensive health care reform law enacted in March 2010. It has three primary goals: make affordable health insurance available to more people, expand the Medicaid program, and support innovative medical care delivery methods designed to lower the costs of health care in general.
Answer: At ACAAgent.com, we leverage our expertise and industry connections to simplify the process of ACA enrollment for you. We provide personalized guidance, compare different plan options, and handle the paperwork on your behalf, ensuring you get the best plan tailored to your health needs and budget.
Answer: We consider several factors like your income, family size, health conditions, and preferred healthcare providers. Based on these factors, we present you with a variety of options from our extensive network of ‘A’ rated carriers, explaining the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Answer: Yes, depending on your income and household size, you may qualify for subsidies, officially known as Advanced Premium Tax Credits, which can significantly reduce your insurance premiums. We can assist you in determining your eligibility and applying for these subsidies.
Answer: The Open Enrollment period for ACA plans usually starts on November 1st and lasts until December 15th. However, you might qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you’ve experienced certain life events such as getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage.
Answer: Our consultation services are provided at no cost to you. We’re compensated directly by the insurance carriers.
At ACAAgent.com, our mission is to help you navigate the complexities of health insurance with ease.
Answer: You can start the process by contacting us via the form on our website or by calling us directly. One of our licensed agents will then reach out to you to understand your needs and guide you through the enrollment process.
Answer: Yes, during the Open Enrollment period, or if you qualify for a Special Enrollment period, you can change your ACA plan. Our agents can help assess whether a different plan would better meet your needs.
Answer: You can reach out to us through the Contact Us form on our website or by calling our customer service line. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the ACA enrollment process.
Answer: If you miss the Open Enrollment period, you can’t enroll in a health insurance plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like marriage, birth of a child, or loss of other health coverage. ACAAgent.com can assist you in understanding these rules and help you apply during a Special Enrollment Period if you’re eligible.
Answer: Yes, the Affordable Care Act prohibits health insurance companies from refusing coverage or charging more because you have any pre-existing condition. At ACAAgent.com, we can help you choose an ACA plan that best covers your health care needs.
Answer: Coverage usually begins on the first day of the month following your enrollment, but the exact timing can vary based on the time of the month you enroll. ACAAgent.com can help you understand when your coverage will begin.
Answer: This can depend on whether your doctor is in the network of the ACA plan you choose. ACAAgent.com can help you check if your preferred healthcare providers are in the network of the plan options you’re considering.
Answer: ACA plans are required to cover a set of preventive services — like shots and screening tests — at no cost to you. They also must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, including maternity, mental health, and prescription drug coverage. Additionally, they can’t reject you or charge you more due to pre-existing conditions. ACAAgent.com can help you understand these benefits and choose a plan that suits you.
Answer: In-network refers to healthcare providers or facilities that have a contract with your insurance company to provide services at a pre-negotiated rate. Out-of-network providers may not have such agreements, which could result in higher costs for you. ACAAgent.com can help you understand the network implications of each plan.
Answer: Yes, we can help self-employed individuals find and apply for health insurance coverage through the ACA. Depending on your income, you may be eligible for subsidies that can lower your monthly premiums.
Answer: While you can enroll in an ACA plan even if you have access to employer-sponsored insurance, you may not qualify for subsidies. It’s important to compare your options and ACAAgent.com can assist you in this analysis.
Answer: You will typically need to provide information about your household size, income, and any current health insurance coverage. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. ACAAgent.com will guide you through the information collection process.
Answer: Yes, many non-U.S. citizens qualify for ACA health insurance. The specific requirements can be complex and ACAAgent.com can assist you in understanding your eligibility.
Answer: No, ACA plans vary based on the coverage levels – Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum – with each level representing a different cost-sharing structure. ACAAgent.com can help you understand these differences and select the most suitable plan.
Answer: Co-pay is a fixed amount you pay for a health care service, deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance starts to pay, and out-of-pocket maximum is the most you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. After you reach this amount, your health insurance pays 100% of the costs. Our agents can help you understand these terms as they apply to your chosen plan.
Answer: Yes, ACA plans are required to provide prescription drug coverage. ACAAgent.com can help you assess how different plans cover your medications.
Answer: Typically, it’s not advisable to enroll in both as you may end up paying more but receiving similar coverage. ACAAgent.com can help you analyze your specific situation and guide you to the best option.
Answer: Yes, children can be enrolled in an ACA plan. Depending on your income and state regulations, your children may also be eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). ACAAgent.com can assist you in exploring these options.
Answer: If your income changes during the year, you should report this change as soon as possible as it could affect your eligibility for subsidies or the amount of your premium. ACAAgent.com can assist you with updating this information.
Answer: A Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as an Exchange, is a service that helps people shop for and enroll in affordable health insurance. ACAAgent.com functions as a personal guide, helping you navigate the complexities of the Marketplace to find the most suitable plan.
Answer: Catastrophic health insurance is a type of medical coverage under the ACA. It’s designed to provide a safety net to cover large medical costs in the event of a serious illness or accident. These plans usually have lower monthly premiums but higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. ACAAgent.com can help you determine if you’re eligible for this type of plan.
Answer: Most ACA plans offer family coverage which includes your dependents. The cost and the specific coverage details can vary from plan to plan. ACAAgent.com can assist you in finding a plan that provides the best coverage for your entire family.
Answer: ACA plans are typically active for one calendar year. You’ll have the opportunity to renew or change your plan during the Open Enrollment Period, or during a Special Enrollment Period, if you qualify. ACAAgent.com can assist you in the renewal process.
Answer: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is not inherently free, but depending on your income and household size, you might qualify for significant subsidies or tax credits which can lower your monthly premiums, potentially to $0. Additionally, certain states have expanded Medicaid under the ACA, providing free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income individuals and families. At ACAAgent.com, we can help assess your eligibility for these cost-saving measures and guide you towards the most affordable coverage options.
Have Questions?
Let us help you!
Contact us today to start your journey towards secure, affordable health insurance coverage. Remember, with ACAagent.com, you’re not just getting an insurance policy, you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your health and wellbeing.Talk to one of our licensed insurance agents about your Medicare options.