Each state has its own rules and enrollment process for the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare. But what exactly is Obamacare, do you need it, and how do you qualify for it?
If you find the process of signing up for Obamacare in Virginia all a bit confusing, we have the answers you need, right here.
In this short guide, we explain what the Affordable Care Act is and how it works. We also take you through how to sign up for Obamacare in Virginia.
Obamacare In Virginia
The Affordable Care Act (ACA), formerly known as the Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act, is more colloquially known as Obamacare. That’s because this health reform was signed into law by the then president, Barack Obama, on the 23rd of March 2010.
But whatever you call it, Virginia Obamacare aims to improve your access as a US citizen to health insurance. It does so by offering cost assistance to health insurance as well as making health insurance more user-friendly
This is why Virginians have access to the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace, where you can purchase health insurance for your and your family’s needs. This will ensure that everyone in the state (like the rest of the country) has a health plan, irrespective of their circumstances.
Who Does And Doesn’t Qualify?
Households with income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level are offered subsidies to lower their health insurance costs.
Conversely, if you earn a good income, you will not be offered this subsidy under Obamacare. This applies to Virginia as well as other states.
What If I Am On Medicare?
Many of you may already have qualified for other health insurance. But Virginians who are eligible for Medicaid or the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) programs can rest assured, those programs will continue.
Your eligibility or enrollment for Medicare will not be affected by Obamacare. The Virginia Legislature is one of the states that recently passed a law to expand Medicaid to all adults under the Affordable Care Act. This is in line with the optional provision decided on by the Supreme Court.
The Individual Mandate Fee
The ObamaCare individual mandate required Americans to obtain and maintain health insurance, or face a penalty. In 2019, this was reduced to $0 at a federal level, although some states still have individual mandates. Virginia is not one of them, so you don’t need to worry about this mandate.
How To Sign Up For Obamacare In Virginia
So, how do you sign up for Obamacare in Virginia?
There are different health plans and some may work better for you than others. Checking your health insurance status is a good first step. This will help you to determine whether or not you need to apply for Obamacare.
You have several options for how to apply, though.
You can do so online with Common Help or you can sign up for Obamacare at Healthcare.gov during the open enrollment period.
However, the process for signing up can be complex and it can be tricky to understand exactly which plan is right for you.
The Easiest Way To Sign Up For Obamacare In Virginia
The easiest way to sign up for health insurance in Virginia is here at Enhance Health.
If you’re finding the process of signing up a bit tricky and confusing or you have some questions you’d like answered, then all you have to do is give us a call.
One of our friendly and experienced health insurance agents will take you through the process and help you understand and compare your options. Together, we’ll go through all the details and decide on a plan that best meets your needs.
Trust us for all the info you need to apply once you’ve made your choice. We’ve helped countless Virginians just like you find the right health insurance plan.
What Is The Open Enrollment Period In Virginia?
This period usually starts on November 1st and ends on January 15th. However, this period is often subject to extension in the HealthCare.Gov federal marketplace.
Open enrollment is the annual period when you can enroll for Obamacare. It is also the time when you can switch plans to ones that suit you better should your circumstances change. You may be eligible for subsidies on various Obamacare health plans that you didn’t know about before.
Certain states may offer an extension of this open enrollment period, in any particular year. Virginia’s enrollment period is currently the same as for most of the country, for 2023 (November 1st to January 15th).
What Do You Need To Sign Up For Obamacare?
To sign up for Obamacare in Virginia, as with other states, you’ll need to:
- Have citizenship/legal immigration status
- Earn a minimum income as stipulated by law
- Apply during the enrolment period (as mentioned above)
- Not be listed as a dependent on another person’s health insurance plan
- Not be incarcerated
- Receive no health insurance from your employer
What If I’m Unemployed?
If you’re worried about how to get health insurance without a job, there are plans with no premiums for unemployed people.
However, if you’ve just recently become unemployed, state unemployment benefits may affect your application. Check with the relevant authority if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Obamacare is the solution for people who earn a low income and need cost-effective health insurance for themselves and their dependents. Contact us for advice and assistance with finding a plan that suits you and your family in Virginia.
