Is there a way to receive free insurance under the law?

No – However, there are expanded options - most not beginning until 2014 - for those who qualify, through Medicaid and tax credits available Insurance Exchanges that can help the uninsured purchase coverage 

January 1, 2014 – States must expand Medicaid eligibility to all individuals under 65 with family incomes below 133% of the Federal Poverty Level - 14,404 for individuals and $29,326 for a family of four, according to current poverty guidelines

January 1, 2014- States must have created at least one insurance “American Health Benefits Exchange,” which would sell health insurance to individuals and small employers regardless of preexisting conditions

·         Policy prices only may vary due to family structure, geographic location and tobacco use

I am uninsured, what are the ramifications for remaining uninsured?

January 1, 2014 – Individuals must maintain qualified insurance coverage for themselves and their dependants or pay a new penalty.   Those who fail to comply will pay a fine each month they are in non-compliance

·         Penalty can be up to $695 or 2.5% of income, whichever is greater

I am uninsured due to a preexisting condition.

June 21, 2010 – Deadline for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a $5 billion high risk pool that will work in conjunction or alongside current state high risk pools to provide coverage to people who had been without coverage due to a preexisting condition.  To qualify a person must:

·         Have been without coverage for more than 6 months AND

·         Have a preexisting condition as defined by HHS

July 1, 2010 – Deadline for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS)  establish a web site through which you can search health coverage options including private insurance, Medicaid and State high-risk pools

September 23, 2010 - Insurers may not deny coverage to a dependent child under age 19 because of preexisting condition

January 1, 2014 – Insurers cannot deny coverage due to a preexisting condition

I have been kicked off my parent’s insurance plan due to graduation from college, age, ineligibility, etc.

September 23, 2010 – All insurance companies must allow “children” to stay on their parent’s health plan until age 26.  Be aware your premiums may increase as well as:

·         A child cannot be eligible if they are offered an employer sponsored health plan (until 2014)

·         A company must have previously offered coverage to dependants

·         Not eligible if married and insurance is offered through the spouse’s place of employment

My employer does not offer insurance due to the cost.

January 1, 2010 - A tax credit may be available for some employers from 2010-2013; however, they must qualify under specific guidelines.  It is estimated that only 12% of businesses will qualify

·         To get the maximum 35% credit, the employer must:

o   Have 10 or fewer employees

o   Pay 50% of the premium of the insurance

o   Average annual income of $25,000 or less

·         Smaller tax incentives are for companies who:

o   Have less than 25 employees

o   Pay 50% of the premium of the insurance

o   Average annual income of $50,000 or less

 January 1, 2014 – Employers with more than 200 full-time employees who offer health benefits must automatically enroll new employees into an offered plan.  The employee must opt themselves out

·         Companies may find they will pay less by paying the penalty than by providing coverage

Does this law apply to illegal immigrants?

Section 1312 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act limits enrollment to those who are lawful residents.  Those who are not qualified individuals cannot qualify to purchase insurance from the State Exchanges or receive tax credits.  Those who are here without documentation (unqualified aliens) already do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid*.        

 * Under the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), unqualified aliens may qualify for limited emergency Medicaid benefits, such as in the case of childbirth and only if they would otherwise qualify for the program if not for their citizenship status. The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 established guidelines which required Medicaid applicants to show proof of citizenship and identity with the intent to enforce standing law; unfortunately, the Democratic controlled Congress has consistently modified  this provision allowing a social security number to suffice as burden of proof