Senator Heidi Heitkamp United States Senator for North Dakota

Affordable Care Act

In 2000, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It was terrifying, but I was fortunate – I had good health insurance so I could afford the care I needed.  But too many families aren’t so lucky.  The health care reform law is not perfect, but it will extend affordable health coverage to more than 20 million uninsured Americans, including thousands of North Dakotans.  If you already have health coverage, the law makes your coverage even stronger so you are better protected.  No family should be in a position where they have to choose between getting health care for a loved one or paying their bills.  Since the Affordable Care Act is law, I want to make sure North Dakotans understand their options and how the law could impact them.  This webpage will serve as a resource if you have questions about what health coverage is available to you.  If you have other questions, please contact my office or any of the contacts listed in the “Help Center” on the side of this page.

About the Affordable Care Act

FAQ for Individuals and Families

What if I already have insurance through my job?


If you have job-based health insurance you like, you can keep it. You're considered covered. You may be able to change to Marketplace coverage if you want to. .:More

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What if I'm self-employed?
If you're self-employed with no employees, you're not considered an employer. You can use the individual Marketplace to find coverage that fits your needs. .:More return to top
What if I have a pre-existing health condition?
Starting in 2014, most health insurance plans can't refuse to cover you or charge you more just because you have a pre-existing health condition. .:More return to top
What are my health coverage options if I'm unemployed?
If you're unemployed you may qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, or lower costs on Marketplace insurance based on your income. .:More return to top
What if I'm a part-time employee without health coverage?
If you're a part-time worker without job-based coverage, you may be able to buy health insurance in the Marketplace and get lower costs based on your income. .:More return to top
What if I'm losing job-based insurance?
If you lose your job-based health insurance, you have 2 primary options for health insurance coverage: a Marketplace plan or COBRA continuation coverage. .:More return to top
Can I keep my own doctor?
Depending on the plan you choose in the Marketplace, you may be able to keep your current doctor. .:More return to top

FAQ for Small Businesses

What do small businesses need to know?
Starting in 2014, businesses with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees can use the Small Business Health Options Program to offer coverage to their employees. You control the coverage you offer and how much you pay toward premium costs. .:More return to top
What is considered a small business?
If you have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees you're considered a small business under the health care law. .:More return to top
Do I have to offer health coverage to my employees?
No employer has to offer coverage. Some large businesses that don't offer coverage meeting certain standards may have to make a shared responsibility payment in 2015. .:More return to top
How do I choose coverage that's right for my business?
There are 4 categories of plans in the SHOP Marketplace. They offer similar benefits, but differ based on how enrollees and the plan share the costs of care. .:More return to top
Will I qualify for small business health care tax credits?
You may qualify for employer health care tax credits if you have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees making an average of about $50,000 a year or less. .:More return to top

FAQ about the Health Insurance Marketplace

Apply for health insurance online here.

How

What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Marketplace is a new way to find quality health coverage. It can help if you don't have coverage now or if you have it but want to look at other options. .:More return to top
How can I get ready to enroll in the Marketplace?
To prepare to enroll, you can learn about types of health coverage, research your questions, and figure out what you need to know before open enrollment begins. .:More return to top
How will prices be determined for Marketplace insurance plans?
All insurance plans available through the Marketplace will be offered by private insurance companies. They will decide which plans to offer and how much each will cost. .:More return to top
How can I get an estimate of costs and savings on Marketplace health insurance?
You can use tools like the Kaiser Family Foundation calculator to get a rough estimate of how much health insurance may cost in 2014. .:More return to top
Will I qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums?
When you get health insurance coverage in the Marketplace, you may be able to get lower costs on monthly premiums. This depends on your income and family size. .:More return to top
What if I have Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan coverage?
Coverage through the federal Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP) ends December 31, 2013. You must take action by December 15 to avoid a coverage gap. .:More return to top

Still Have Questions?

If you still have questions about the health care reform law, healthcare.gov and getcoveredamerica.org have more resources to assist you. If you would like to talk to someone for assistance, please refer to the numbers listed below in the Help Center.