ObamaCare is one the Way!
The Feds announced today the the website for group exchanges will be delayed until 2015. In theory the government has stated that all exchanges for health insurance will be open October 1, 2014. In Georgia and about two dozen other states the Feds are going to set up and run these exchanges. What is supposed to happen is for any individual to go to this website, shop, find out if they can get help with payments for premiums and enroll. Sounds easy, but the trouble may come in the details. I have found in 36 years of selling insurance that many out there are not sure what they want in the way of coverage. These sites are suppose to have "Navigators" to help assist shoppers in how to fill out the form to apply for coverage. One friend told me today that the training for these folks will start in September. This is going to be very interesting.
Things we do know:
All individual policies will be guarantee issue for anyone that wants a policy. No pre-existing conditions.
There will be about ten things that have to be in every policy. For example, maternity, even if you cannot have a child, you will have it in your new policy.
There are just a few major Federal departments involved, IRS, HHS, Labor Dept, just to name a few.
Penalities start out low and increase for those who do not buy or have insurance.
There will be a lot of confusion on the part of the Feds, insurance companies, agents, and consumers.
Rates will be higher for younger folks and might be a little lower for older folks.
No one knows for sure what rates will be like come October 1.
Insurance companies are trying to find out and pass on the best information to agents that is possible, but this is a real moving target.
The price of health insurance is going up, not down. You will be able to purchase insurance with no questions asked--if you can afford to pay the premiums.
Stay tuned, we are working to get answers as to how to get through this mess the government has created.
Remember, we do have to read it to know what the law says in the "Affordable Care Act."