Affordable Health Insurance
Dear Friends,
You may have seen or heard ads lately about upcoming changes to the health insurance system. This year and next, the Affordable Care Act will continue to help Americans access health insurance coverage by establishing an affordable, transparent Health Insurance Marketplace and increasing access to the Medicaid program. Most middle class families that do not get insurance through their employer will qualify for an instant tax credit to help pay for their new plans, as will many small businesses.
As your representative, I want to make sure you know exactly what is changing, when, and how it will affect you. Below, please find an overview of upcoming Affordable Care Act changes. You can find more detailed information at this webpage, which will be updated as more information becomes available.
Tax Credits to Purchase Health Insurance
Beginning October 1, 2013, individuals and families will be able to purchase health insurance plans through an online, transparent, affordable health care exchange. These plans will go into effect on January 1, 2014. Many individuals and families will receive instant tax credits to reduce the cost of health insurance purchased through this exchange, Access Health CT. If your employer doesn’t offer insurance, you will be able to choose a private plan directly in this one-stop marketplace – the same insurance choices I and other Members of Congress will have. To see if you qualify for an instant tax credit, check Access Health CT’s savings calculator.
More Options for Individuals Who Can’t Afford Health Insurance
Starting in January 2014, Connecticut will expand Medicaid to individuals under 65 years of age with income below 133% of the federal poverty level – about $14,000 for an individual and $29,000 for a family of four. Connecticut will receive 100% federal funding for the first three years to support this expanded coverage. In addition, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility and enrollment will be much simpler and coordinated with the Marketplace.
New Options for Small Businesses that Provide Health Insurance to Employees
Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees will be able to purchase affordable health insurance plans through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace, a one-stop shop for comparing plans and controlling your business’s contributions and coverage. Qualifying businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees will receive a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to make providing care to their employees even more affordable. To find out if your small business qualifies for a tax credit, click here.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Again, you can find more information on this webpage. If you have any questions about the Affordable Care Act or any other issue, you are welcome to contact my office by calling (202) 225-5541 or by clicking here.
Sincerely,
Jim
211 State Street, 2nd Floor
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: (203)333-6600 or (866) 453-0028
Fax: (203) 333-6655
Hours: M - F 9:00 am to 5:00 pm