South Carolina is one of the states with the highest percentage of poverty in the country. It is also one of the ten states with the highest incidence of multiple chronic conditions.
Falling into the “stroke belt” and the “diabetes belt” means high demand for affordable healthcare in South Carolina.
Obamacare, officially known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), makes healthcare more accessible and affordable for residents.
There are several different insurance providers and plan options, and navigating the various plan options to choose the right one may feel challenging.
So if you need help understanding the ACA or how to sign up for Obamacare in South Carolina, read on.
All About Obamacare In South Carolina
Previously called the Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), was signed into law by President Obama in 2010.
Obamacare is Federal law intended to improve access to health coverage for American citizens. The ACA prescribes that health insurance companies that offer ACA plans must provide a minimum level of coverage.
Obamacare is available to everyone in South Carolina who does not have access to other affordable health insurance. Eligibility does not depend on employment status or income.
ACA makes several provisions applicable across all states:
- People with pre-existing conditions may not be denied health coverage
- Insurers may not cancel health insurance unless there is fraud.
- Parents may keep children on their health insurance until age 26.
- Plan members may choose their preferred doctor from any participating primary care provider.
- Specified preventive care must be covered by health policies.
South Carolina’s uninsured rate has declined consistently since its inception in 2013. There was a record-high enrollment of 300,392 people in 2022 – a 30% increase over 2021 enrollment.
Is South Carolina Banning Obamacare?
The short answer to the banning of Obamacare in South Carolina is no. Like many Republican States, South Carolina tried to repeal the law and declare it null and void.
It was proposed that any state official caught enforcing the healthcare law would be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined or imprisoned.
However, lawmakers in South Carolina failed to derail Obamacare, and the federal law still stands.
How To Sign Up For Obamacare In South Carolina
In South Carolina, you can sign up for Obamacare during the open enrollment from November 1 to January 15.
If you want your coverage to start on January 1, you must enroll by December 15. If you enroll after December 15, your coverage will begin on February 1.
There are two ways to sign up for Obamacare in South Carolina. You can use the federal marketplace HealthCare.gov to enroll. You can also sign up through a health insurance broker like Enhance Health.
If you are signing up for Obamacare for the first time or want to change to a different plan, making decisions can feel overwhelming.
In that case, it makes sense to get assistance from an experienced agent who can help you
understand your plan options and all the fine print. And we’re here to help. Give us a call and one of our knowledgeable agents will help you through the process.
Our Enhance Health agents will ask questions about your household size, income, or pre-existing health conditions. They will then use this information to find the plan best suited to your and your family’s needs.
A significant advantage of using a health insurance broker is that, unlike government-trained assisters, brokers and agents can suggest the best plan for you.
Once you have decided on a plan, our agents will assist with signing up and the enrollment process and help you activate your Obamacare policy in South Carolina.
By chatting with an experienced agent, you can make sure you understand all the fine print and exactly what each healthcare plan covers and requires. This ensures that you can choose the right plan for your needs.
What Do You Need To Sign Up For Obamacare In South Carolina?
Before you sign up with Obamacare, ensure you meet the criteria for eligibility. You can sign up for health coverage under the ACA if:
- You are a U.S. citizen or legally residing in the U.S.
- Are not insured through your employer.
- Earning a minimum income as stipulated by law/ Unemployed
- Not listed as a dependent on another person’s health insurance
- Not currently incarcerated.
Before you contact one of our helpful agents at Enhance Health, have the following documents on hand to ensure a smooth sign-up process:
- Social security number or document number if you are a legal immigrant.
- Your income for the upcoming year.
- Income information for every member of the household needing cover.
- Medical history.
- Employment details.
- Previous year’s tax information for you and your family members.
- Policy numbers for current health insurance.
Get Obamacare In South Carolina
If you already have health insurance and your existing plan is still available, you will be automatically re-enrolled in your plan. Even so, open enrollment is a good time to review your coverage or switch to a better option.
Whether you want to change plans or enroll for the first time, our agents at Enhance Health are happy to help you navigate the details of each plan and advise on the best option for you. Call us today to discuss your healthcare insurance options.
