Affordable Care Act - FAQs
Why did I receive a notice entitled "New Health Insurance Marketplace Coverage Options and Your Health Coverage"? [Expand]
The ACA requires each American to have health insurance by January 1, 2014, which is known as the individual mandate. Employers are required to provide this notice to all of their employees by October 1, 2013 notifying them of this requirement and the Health Insurance Marketplace.
What is a Health Insurance Marketplace or Exchange? [Expand]
A Health Insurance Marketplace is a place where people can go to buy individual health insurance. Each state will have its own marketplace, either set up by the state, the federal government or a partnership between the two.
If I am a participant in the University's health insurance coverage through the State of Delaware Group Health Insurance Program ("the Plan") what do I need to do? [Expand]
You do not need to take any action. Your coverage meets the individual mandate and is expected to be a better value than the Marketplace coverage.
What if I like a plan offered through the Marketplace better than what's offered by the State's Group Health Insurance Program, can I still choose coverage through the Marketplace? [Expand]
Yes, but since the State's plan offered by the University for the 2014 plan year is intended to be affordable and meet the minimum value standard, you and your eligible family members may not qualify for premium assistance tax credits or cost sharing reductions if you buy coverage through the Marketplace.
If I am a benefit-eligible employee but not participating in coverage through the University, what do I need to do? [Expand]
The ACA requires most U.S. citizens to have health insurance by January 1, 2014. Remember, if you do not have coverage beginning in 2014, you may be required to pay additional taxes. If you are enrolled in coverage through the University but are covered under another plan, then you may satisfy the individual mandate. If you are not covered under any health plan then you may want to explore coverage options through the Marketplace. You may enroll in health insurance coverage during open enrollment in May of 2014 for coverage effective July 1, 2014.
I am a Miscellaneous Wage, S-Contract employee or student worker who is not eligible for coverage through the University. Am I now eligible to enroll in the plan due to the ACA? [Expand]
No, the eligibility rules have not changed. Miscellaneous Wage and/or S-Contract employees are not eligible for health insurance coverage through the University.
If I am not eligible for University coverage through the State’s Group Health Insurance Program, what do I need to do to satisfy the individual mandate? [Expand]
If you are covered under another plan (for example under your spouse's or parent's plan), then you may meet the individual mandate. If you are not covered under any health plan then you may want to explore coverage options through the Marketplace at www.choosehealthde.com.
If I am a University retiree or State of Delaware pensioner, are there any changes to my eligibility and coverage through the State of Delaware’s Group Health Insurance Program due to the Health Insurance Marketplace? [Expand]
No, your health coverage has not changed for 2014. No action is required on your part to continue your health coverage if you are currently enrolled.
How do I get information on the coverage options available through the Marketplace and the rates? [Expand]
The coverage options and rates will be available on the State's Marketplace website beginning on October 1, 2013.
How do I enroll in the Marketplace? [Expand]
Enrollment though the Marketplace begins October 1, 2013 and runs through March 31, 2014. Visit www.choosehealthde.com to enroll. In order to have coverage by January 1, 2014, you must enroll before December 15, 2013. If you apply for coverage in the Marketplace, you will need to provide certain information. For more information on what you will need, please see the Health Insurance Marketplace coverage checklist.
I am still confused. Is there someone I can talk to? [Expand]
Yes, you can call the federal government at 800-318-2596 or meet with one of the State's Marketplace Guides (MPGs).