What the Affordable Care Act means for you
What did the Affordable Care Act change?
Passed in 2010, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a federal law that made changes to health insurance in the United States to help more people get health coverage for themselves and their families.
The ACA made some important updates, including:
How the Health Insurance Marketplace works
The Health Insurance Marketplace is an online shopping center for health plans and is open to U.S. citizens and legal residents. Some states have their own marketplace, while many use HealthCare.gov.
The marketplace makes it easier to find health plans offered by major insurers like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). It also helps you compare plans, look at the doctors included in the network, and find a monthly price that works best for you.
ACA plan metal tiers
ACA health insurance plans are grouped into four main metal tiers based on their premium costs and coverage. All tiers include coverage for preventive care from an in-network doctor.
Here's a quick look at the tiers and what they mean for you as you shop for an ACA plan.
How to enroll in an ACA plan
You can buy ACA health insurance plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly through insurance companies, but you can only use cost-saving subsidies if you get your plan through the marketplace.
The main time to sign up for a health plan is called Open Enrollment. It happens once a year in the fall. This is your chance to review your options, compare plans, and enroll for coverage for the next year.
If you have a major life change, like moving, getting married, having a baby, or losing other health coverage, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. This special window lets you update or choose a plan outside of Open Enrollment.
