The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has garnered a lot of debate since its implementation in 2010.
The market continues to change as the healthcare reform debate continues. Initially, many health insurance companies—lacking the information they needed to ensure their financial stability—left the ACA’s marketplaces. As the marketplace stabilized, some companies returned, and others continue to expand their offerings.
To weigh both sides of the ongoing debate, here are a few of the often-debated Affordable Care Act pros and cons.
Subsidies offer financial help
Subsidies make purchasing health insurance less expensive for those who qualify. Also, the implementation of the 80/20 rule means 80% of your premium dollars is spent on healthcare instead of administrative costs.
No pre-existing condition denials
Insurance companies also cannot deny coverage for a pre-existing condition (unless your plan is grandfathered).
Medicaid is more inclusive for many
For states that have chosen to expand their program, Medicaid coverage now includes uninsured Americans under 138% of the federal poverty level.
Dependents can stay under parents’ plan longer
Your children can be insured under your health plan until they are 26 years old.
No more limits
Limits on lifetime benefits have been completely banned and annual limits phased out. (This does not include grandfathered plans).
The cost has not decreased for everyone
Those who do not qualify for subsidies may find marketplace health insurance plans unaffordable. Customers may end up paying more for a plan that includes benefits, such as maternity care, that they may not need.
Loss of company-sponsored health plans
Some businesses may find it more cost-effective to let their employees purchase their own individual insurance on the exchanges rather than provide employer-sponsored coverage.
Tax penalties
Prior to 2019, you could face large tax penalties if you were uninsured. The federal tax penalty no longer exists, but some states are now enacting health insurance mandates of their own.
Shrinking networks
Many insurance companies made their provider networks smaller to cut costs while implementing ACA requirements. This left customers with fewer providers that are “in network.”
Shopping for coverage can be complicated
Shopping for coverage can be complicated with limited enrollment periods, difficulties with the websites, and more coverage options.
Regardless of the Affordable Care Act pros and cons, HealthMarkets can be a helping hand in figuring out your health insurance options. Call us today at (800) 827-9990 to talk with a licensed insurance agent, or start comparing plans online now, at no cost to you.
How much are Medicare premiums? Each part or Medicare (A, B, C, and D) provides a different set of health insurance benefits.1 Medicare premiums are different for each part, too. But how different are they? We explain what each part of Medicare might cost you. Medicare Part A premiums (for hospital insurance) The first part […]
HealthMarkets helps you understand the difference between these different types of prescription medications — and how that can help you save. Next time you go to your local pharmacy, you may have some sticker shock. You’re not the only person who’s been feeling the cost of prescription drugs in their wallet lately. In 2022, the […]
Medicare Part A and Part B coverage (Original Medicare) can cover much of your doctor and hospital bills, but it doesn’t cover everything. Medicare Supplement Plan K is one of several Medicare Supplement Plans (also called Medigap), purchased through private insurance companies that helps pay for some of the expenses that your Original Medicare plan doesn’t cover. […]
View more articles© 2024 HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. All rights reserved.
* Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, and Part D options can be explored.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.
To send a complaint to Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1- 877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week). If your complaint involves a broker or agent, be sure to include the name of the person when filing your grievance.
Attention: This website is operated by HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. and is not the Health Insurance Marketplace® website. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency nationwide except in MA. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Sales agents may be compensated based on a consumer’s enrollment in an insurance plan. No obligation to enroll. Agent cannot provide tax or legal advice. Contact your tax or legal professional to discuss details regarding your individual business circumstances. Our quoting tool is provided for your information only. All quotes are estimates and are not final until consumer is enrolled. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency offers the opportunity to enroll in either QHPs or off-Marketplace coverage. Please visit HealthCare.gov for information on the benefits of enrolling in a QHP. Off-Marketplace coverage is not eligible for the cost savings offered for coverage through the Marketplaces.
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call the Plan’s customer service phone number for more information.
© 2024 HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. All rights reserved.
* Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, and Part D options can be explored.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.
To send a complaint to Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1- 877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week). If your complaint involves a broker or agent, be sure to include the name of the person when filing your grievance.
Attention: This website is operated by HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. and is not the Health Insurance Marketplace® website. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency nationwide except in MA. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Sales agents may be compensated based on a consumer’s enrollment in an insurance plan. No obligation to enroll. Agent cannot provide tax or legal advice. Contact your tax or legal professional to discuss details regarding your individual business circumstances. Our quoting tool is provided for your information only. All quotes are estimates and are not final until consumer is enrolled. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency offers the opportunity to enroll in either QHPs or off-Marketplace coverage. Please visit HealthCare.gov for information on the benefits of enrolling in a QHP. Off-Marketplace coverage is not eligible for the cost savings offered for coverage through the Marketplaces.
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call the Plan’s customer service phone number for more information.
© 2024 HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. All rights reserved.
* Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, and Part D options can be explored.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program to get information on all of your options.
To send a complaint to Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1- 877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week). If your complaint involves a broker or agent, be sure to include the name of the person when filing your grievance.
Attention: This website is operated by HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. and is not the Health Insurance Marketplace® website. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed as an insurance agency nationwide except in MA. Not all agents are licensed to sell all products. Service and product availability varies by state. Sales agents may be compensated based on a consumer’s enrollment in an insurance plan. No obligation to enroll. Agent cannot provide tax or legal advice. Contact your tax or legal professional to discuss details regarding your individual business circumstances. Our quoting tool is provided for your information only. All quotes are estimates and are not final until consumer is enrolled. Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
HealthMarkets Insurance Agency offers the opportunity to enroll in either QHPs or off-Marketplace coverage. Please visit HealthCare.gov for information on the benefits of enrolling in a QHP. Off-Marketplace coverage is not eligible for the cost savings offered for coverage through the Marketplaces.
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call the Plan’s customer service phone number for more information.
