Health Care Reform – What We Know So Far Effective 2014

Health Care Reform – What We Know So Far Effective 2014:

With a few exceptions, all United States residents are required to have health insurance in 2014 or pay a tax penalty in 2015, in the amount of $95.00 or 1% of their income whichever is greater. This penalty will increase each year. 

There are over 7 million individuals in California without health insurance.  More than 12 will qualify for a subsidy to assist them with paying for their health insurance premiums.  Those eligible are with incomes up to 4 times the poverty level.  This works out to be about $46,000 for an individual and $94,200 for a family of 4.

Under California’s Health Insurance Exchange called Covered California, the subsidies will be paid directly to the health plans to offset the total cost of your insurance rather than requiring you to pay the full cost up front and get reimbursed later.  This reduces your cost significantly.

Anyone with pre-existing conditions will be able to qualify for coverage.   You won’t be charged a higher premium because of a pre-existing condition.

In CA if you are a smoker, you will not be charged a higher premium because you smoke. 

Employers with 50 or more full time employees will have to provide affordable health insurance to their employees or be subject to a $2,000 fine per employee effective January 2015.   

Employers with less than 50 full time employees will not have to provide health insurance to their employees.  However, the employee will still have to purchase health insurance in 2014 order to avoid the tax penalty. 

Open enrollment to purchase health insurance through the health insurance exchange will begin in October 2013 and will continue through March 2014.  Open enrollment outside of the exchange is yet to be determined.

Zenker Insurance Agency, Inc. 
3868 W. Carson St, Suite 206
Torrance CA 90503
310.214.2444 | 800.560.2443
License# 0G76383

DID YOU KNOW? We are a full service insurance agency offering Auto insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Life insurance and Business insurance? Visit us at our main website at http://www.zenkerinsurance.com for more information on ways we can help you save!