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Congressman Emanuel Cleaver

Representing the 5th District of MISSOURI

Healthcare.gov is Live! Get Covered


Enroll now in a plan that covers essential benefits, pre-existing conditions, and more. Plus, see if you qualify for lower costs.

The Affordable Care Act is about securing affordable, quality and accessible health care as a right, not a privilege, for every American; yet it is also about wellness and prevention, economic security and entrepreneurship, the well-being of working families and the strength of the middle class. In short, this historic law is about a healthier America. 

Starting October 1, the new health care law will allow Americans looking for health coverage to purchase health insurance through their state’s online Marketplace. It’s your health, made simple.

The new Health Insurance Marketplace helps uninsured people find health coverage.When you fill out the Marketplace application we’ll tell you if you qualify for:

No matter what state you live in, you can use the Marketplace. Some states operate their own Marketplace. In Missouri, the Marketplace is run by the Federal government. Find the Health Insurance Marketplace in your state.

Most people must have health coverage in 2014 or pay a fee. If you don’t have coverage in 2014, you’ll have to pay a penalty of $95 per adult, $47.50 per child, or 1% of your income (whichever is higher). The fee increases every year. Some people may qualify for an exemption to this fee.

You’re considered covered if you have MedicareMedicaidCHIP, any job-based plan, any plan you bought yourselfCOBRAretiree coverageTRICARE, VA health coverage, or some other kinds of health coverage.

If you’re eligible for job-based insurance, you can consider switching to a Marketplace plan. But you won’t qualify for lower costs based on your income unless the job-based insurance is unaffordable or doesn’t meet minimum requirements. You also may lose any contribution your employer makes to your premiums.

If you have Medicare, you’re considered covered and don’t have to make any changes.You can’t use the Marketplace to buy a supplemental or dental plan.

Marketplace open enrollment ends March 31, 2014. If you enroll by December 15, 2013, coverage can begin as soon as January 1, 2014.

Questions? Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325)

Ready to apply? Get started.

A recent study outlined specifics on the hundreds of thousands in Missouri’s Fifth District already benefiting from the Affordable Care Act. The analysis was prepared by the Minority staff of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and shows the following for Missouri’s Fifth District:

  • 6,900 Young adults now have health insurance through their parents’ plan.
  • More than 7,500 seniors in the district have received prescription drug discounts worth $9.7 million, an average discount of $580 per person in 2011, $640 in 2012, and $900 so far in 2013.
  • 112,000 seniors are now eligible for Medicare preventive services without paying any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
  • *195,000 individuals, including 42,000 children and 81,000 women, now have health insurance that covers preventive services without any co-pays, coinsurance, or deductibles.
  • 143,000 individuals are saving money due to ACA provisions that prevent insurance companies from spending more than 20% of their premiums on profits and administrative overhead.
  • Up to 43,000 children in Missouri’s Fifth District with preexisting health conditions can no longer be denied coverage by health insurers.
  • 233,000 individuals now have insurance that can’t place lifetime limits on their coverage and will not face annual limits on coverage starting in 2014.
  • Up to 125,000 individuals who do not have health insurance will have access to quality, affordable coverage without fear of discrimination or higher rates because of a preexisting health condition.

With the opening of the healthcare marketplace, the number of people who will benefit from the Affordable Care Act will only increase.