I received an ACA information letter from the VA because I am enrolled in VA healthcare. DH and I also have a high deductible individual policy with Humana because we want to have choices and we don't trust the VA to cover emergency charges due to some random accident far from a VA facility.
It's a good letter except it leaves out the important tidbit of information that we become ineligible for any subsidy if we purchase individual insurance while still being enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Since they mentioned private health insurance in the paragraph copied below, they probably should have added a word of warning about the subsidy. I've added the emphasis on the mention of private health insurance.
I called the number provided on the letter and spoke to a VA representative. She confirmed we would be ineligible for the subsidy if we remained enrolled with VA and purchased individual insurance. She wasn't concerned the information was not specifically stated in the letter because "when people call to get information about ACA, we'll let them know about the subsidy."
I told her the letter explained things well so people may not feel the need to call in and ask questions. She agreed to notify whoever that it might be a good idea to include information about being ineligible for the subsidy in future mailings.
It's a good letter except it leaves out the important tidbit of information that we become ineligible for any subsidy if we purchase individual insurance while still being enrolled in the VA healthcare system. Since they mentioned private health insurance in the paragraph copied below, they probably should have added a word of warning about the subsidy. I've added the emphasis on the mention of private health insurance.
How is my VA health care coverage affected?
Nothing in the health law changes your VA care benefits. You can continue to use VA for all of your health care needs or complement your VA care with private health insurance or coverage by other federal health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
Nothing in the health law changes your VA care benefits. You can continue to use VA for all of your health care needs or complement your VA care with private health insurance or coverage by other federal health care programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
I called the number provided on the letter and spoke to a VA representative. She confirmed we would be ineligible for the subsidy if we remained enrolled with VA and purchased individual insurance. She wasn't concerned the information was not specifically stated in the letter because "when people call to get information about ACA, we'll let them know about the subsidy."
I told her the letter explained things well so people may not feel the need to call in and ask questions. She agreed to notify whoever that it might be a good idea to include information about being ineligible for the subsidy in future mailings.