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Congressman Gene Green

Representing the 29th District of Texas

Affordable Care Act

Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplace

Health Reform Legislation

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act) was signed into law in March 2010 to give Americans more security by holding insurance companies access affordable health insurance and quality medical care.

This was a huge victory for Americans nationwide and especially in Texas, which has one of the highest rates of uninsured individuals in the nation.  Since 2010, the health care law has already made a difference in the lives of millions of Texans through ending discrimination for pre-existing conditions, allowing young adults to stay on their parent’s health insurance plan, scrutinizing unreasonable premium increases, removing lifetime limits on health benefits, covering preventive services with no deductible or co-pay, and more.

The 29th District of Texas has also benefited from increased access to quality and affordable health care, which is a critical need in our community.  The 29th District has seen similar results.

An interactive timeline of the protections and advantages that will go into effect as a result of the Affordable Care Act can be found at www.healthcare.gov/law/timeline/index.html.

The Health Insurance Marketplace

A primary goal of the Affordable Care Act was to help uninsured individuals and families gain access to quality, affordable healthcare.  The law established a Health Insurance Marketplace to allow Americans to enroll in a health plan to get health care services and coverage. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will be launching the Health Insurance Marketplace this year, with open enrollment beginning October 1, 2013 and coverage beginning January 1, 2014.

Through the Health Insurance Marketplace, consumers and small businesses will be able to compare insurance options based on price, benefits, health needs and other factors with a clear picture of premiums and cost-sharing amounts - all explained in simple, easy to understand terms.

How Will This Affect Me?

•    If you have job-based health insurance you like, you can keep it. In fact, with new regulations and standards, the insurance you currently have will include new consumer protections like no lifetime limits, minimum coverage standards, and limits on administrative costs.

•    If your employer does not plan to offer health insurance, you may get insurance through the Marketplace. You’ll be able to apply online, on the phone, or in person, and the application process will automatically determine if you qualify for cost-sharing subsidies or tax credits.  More information for individuals and families can be found here.  

•    If you do not have health insurance by 2014, you will have to pay for all of your health care costs and may be assessed a fee.  More information on insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage can be found here.

•    If you run a small business, you can go to the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace to find out about providing coverage for your employees.  More information and resources for small businesses can be found here.  

•    If you have Medicare, you are already covered and do not need to make any changes.

•    If you are a Member of Congress or designated congressional staff, you must obtain coverage by health plans created under the Affordable Care Act.  You can find more information here.

Where Can I Find Help?

For more information on the Marketplace and enrollment, visit www.healthcare.gov or call the toll-free Health Insurance Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You can also stay up to date via social media at www.facebook.com/Healthcare.gov, Twitter @HealthCareGov, or watch videos like the one below at www.youtube.com/HealthCareGov.

 

More on Affordable Care Act

January 3, 2017 Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Gene Green (TX-29) released the following statement today after the 115th Congress convened:

“It’s an honor to represent Houstonians and our City in the 115th Congress. In Washington and at home I am constantly working so that our constituents’ voices are represented and so that our region has the policies and resources in place needed for it to be successful and prosperous.

August 25, 2016 Press Release

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Gene Green (TX-29), the Ranking Member for the Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) report showing that expanding Medicaid lowers Marketplace premiums by about 7 percent in those states:

January 28, 2016 Event

In conjunction with Freeway Manor Civic Club

January 21, 2016 Event
January 19, 2016 Event

In conjunction with Belmar/Northline Civic Club

January 14, 2016 Event

In conjunction with Meadow Creek Civic Club 

January 13, 2016 Event

In conjunction with High Meadows North Civic Club 

December 9, 2015 Press Release

Thank you to everyone who was able to participate in our most recent telephone town hall, and asked questions. Although we weren’t able to get to all the questions, we got through a lot and responded to everyone that left a voicemail.

Many of you participated in our poll questions, which helped us get an idea where you stand on an issue. You can read the poll questions and see the results below.

poll one

September 2, 2015 Event
September 1, 2015 Event

Join Congressman Green for Town Hall meeting to discuss policies and issues important to the District.

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