ACA sign Up

[oldtrig]

I was supportive of the premise of Obamacare but now see it as a complete failure. If you can't afford health insurance you certainly can't afford these plans being offered with their insane deductibles. Bronze, Silver and Gold plans? pooh I have talked to many people who are in the late 50 age group and have private insurance. All have told me their premiums will double under the new plan. All have also told me they will not pay and just go without. There comes a time when everyone has to make a life decision. You got to have money to live on and not pay it all to an insurance company. Who ever thought this would work needs their head checked out. Watch and see. These insurance companies will soon go broke or lower their rates. People are just not going to pay what they are saying they will owe. Not going to happen. As for me I will gamble until my wife turns 65 in five months. I refuse to give in and pay these rates. I am also tired and stressed from being on the phone and website trying to get a rate I can afford. Life is just not worth this stress. If my wife gets sick then we will just go broke. I sure am not going to let this stress me and her out another second. I am finished calling and trying to log into a government website that has failed. Back to simple retirement life for me. To heck with all this. We may just move out in the wild until she turns 65. over and out. oldtrig

 

[MichaelB]

Uh, ok. Hope it works out for your wife until she is eligible for Medicare. The new policies don't take effect until January, so there's no harm in waiting.

 

[Jerome50]

I'm in Ohio and using www.healthcare.gov. Very surprised I've been able to progress this far. I wonder what happens if I click ENROLL. Haven't tried that yet.

Must be something about OHIO. I got as far as Sue J did as we today. It will now take some time to evaluate provider networks, rx lists, etc. Still need to send my proof of retirement income to Kentuckt.

 

[ERhoosier]

.......If you can't afford health insurance you certainly can't afford these plans being offered with their insane deductibles.....People are just not going to pay what they are saying they will owe.

oldtrig- You are not alone in thinking that folks who cannot presently afford HI prob also do not have the ready cash to pay these big deductibles (up to $12,700 for family). Last month a large independent survey of 1,000 US physician group practices (47k docs total) found 60% fear this exact outcome of ACA, and less than 30% had signed up to participate in any Exchange Plans.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/812253

Link to download survey results-
ACA Exchange Implementation LEARN

 

[John Galt III]

need to call from the correct phone number. This gets sillier every day.

MRG

Yikes! I called in today from a public phone today and she wouldn't answer any questions until I gave her my name and phone number. I don't want to lock myself into any certain answers about income yet, since my income and income sources will be variable in 2014, so I had to end the conversation. I'll have to call back with a fake name and number, I guess. I just want some basic rules to be verified by someone at healthcare.gov before I start the process.

 

[nvestysly]

Yikes! I called in today from a public phone today and she wouldn't answer any questions until I gave her my name and phone number. I don't want to lock myself into any certain answers about income yet, since my income and income sources will be variable in 2014, so I had to end the conversation. I'll have to call back with a fake name and number, I guess. I just want some basic rules to be verified by someone at healthcare.gov before I start the process.

I don't understand why I have to "register" or "enroll" or "sign-up" or whatever they're calling it - all I want to know is which plans are available in my area and see the details of the various plans. Sheesh! I thought the idea was to provide information to all of us - easy, readily available. Instead, the implementation of PPACA seems to make this process difficult.

Hmmm, guess the web interface to www.ehealthinsurance.com beats www.healthcare.gov by a mile. Guess the people who want the federal government to provide handouts don't mind giving up their private information when they're simply window shopping.

 

[Sue J]

I called our current insurer today. They are the first one I'm considering for an ACA plan because their allowed amounts have been low compared to the billed amount, the service has been good and their network includes just about every provider in our area, including our current providers. What I wanted to ask about was if I should expect to see similar allowed amounts (vs billed amount) under an ACA plan and also about what is included in their disease management feature.

Lots of time on hold but I had competent service reps. One of them told me that the insurance company has made a department just for ACA plan questions and she transferred me there. When I was concluding the call she recommended that I call back when I'm ready to enroll. She said they can enroll us rather than going through www.healthcare.gov and I specifically asked if that included using our subsidy. The answer was yes.

I think I'll try this when we get to that point. Have any of you enrolled through the insurance company instead of through your state's exchange? I've heard that you can buy an ACA policy though the company but I didn't know you could do that and use your subsidy.

 

[rockymountainhigh]

She said they can enroll us rather than going through www.healthcare.gov and I specifically asked if that included using our subsidy. The answer was yes.

I think I'll try this when we get to that point. Have any of you enrolled through the insurance company instead of through your state's exchange? I've heard that you can buy an ACA policy though the company but I didn't know you could do that and use your subsidy.

When I called Kaiser they said if I wanted the subsidy I would have to go through Colorado's market place. I am still waiting on PEAK (Medicaid) which we must apply for, to send me a rejection notice so I can finish my ACA enrollment. Applied on 10/3/13.

 

[rbmrtn]

www.healthcare.gov[/url] and I specifically asked if that included using our subsidy. The answer was yes.

That maybe correct, It was mentioned in this article on kaiser FAQ: What You Need To Know About The New Online Marketplaces - Kaiser Health News

Are exchanges the only place where I can get subsidized coverage?

Not exactly. Under a little-known rule proposed by the administration in June, consumers will be able to buy an exchange-approved plan – and receive a health law subsidy – from the insurance company itself rather than from the exchange.

 

[bizlady]

Not exactly. Under a little-known rule proposed by the administration in June, consumers will be able to buy an exchange-approved plan – and receive a health law subsidy – from the insurance company itself rather than from the exchange.

Respectfully, I am not sure this is accurate. I think health insurance companies have to spend a certain percentage on care, and refund it that is not the case, but I am fairly certain that at this point, one must sign up on their state sites to get a subsidy. Then you can choose if the subsidy is paid directly to the insurance company, or a credit on your tax return in 2015, for the tax year 2014. Is there documentation perhaps that I am not aware of that states subsidies are available from insurance companies? Just cannot see that they would even have access to income etc....

 

[Buckeye]

I don't understand why I have to "register" or "enroll" or "sign-up" or whatever they're calling it - all I want to know is which plans are available in my area and see the details of the various plans. Sheesh! I thought the idea was to provide information to all of us - easy, readily available. Instead, the implementation of PPACA seems to make this process difficult.

Hmmm, guess the web interface to www.ehealthinsurance.com beats www.healthcare.gov by a mile. Guess the people who want the federal government to provide handouts don't mind giving up their private information when they're simply window shopping.

I file a tax return every year. What exactly do you think the government doesn't know about me that would be divulged during the sign-up process? I wish I could just browse too but I don't feel like I'm giving out any confidential information during the sign-up process.

I currently have access to the VA but I am answering that I don't because if I decide later to purchase through the Exchange, I will withdraw from VA healthcare. If I answer truthfully to my current situation, I won't be able to see what would be available to me if and when I withdraw from the VA.

The Exchange website says you will be able to go in and change information in the future so if I decide not to drop VA, I will have to go in and change my information and not purchase on the Exchange.

 

[ChiliPepr]

Keep in mind that in Colorado a grand total of 18,000 people have created an account and only 300 have actually purchased. Think the marketing campaign may have missed its mark.

I think thier marketing campaign is doing just fine, it is just that those 300 people had to create about 60 accounts each before they could purchase!

 

[rbmrtn]

Is there documentation perhaps that I am not aware of that states subsidies are available from insurance companies? Just cannot see that they would even have access to income etc....

It's a Fed subsidy not state. I think what they are saying is insurance company agent/broker can assist in enrolling and applying for the subsidy. The subsidy does not come from the insurance company. It has to be the same plan as on the exchange.

The article linked the CFR, I think they are referring to 1312(e) of the ACA, but I haven't read all of it yet.

(e) ENROLLMENT THROUGH AGENTS OR BROKERS.— The Secretary shall establish procedures under which a State may allow
agents or brokers—
(1) to enroll individuals in any qualified health plans in the individual or small group market as soon as the plan is offered through an Exchange in the State; and
(2) to assist individuals in applying for premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions for plans sold through an Exchange. Such procedures may include the establishment of rate schedules for broker commissions paid by health benefits plans offered through an exchange.

 

[zinger1457]

I usually use Firefox, wondering if anyone else is having problems using Firefox (24.0) to access their account? I was able to create my account using Firefox up until I needed to submit a copy of my ID to verify my account. Today I tried to submit the document but every time I clicked the 'verify account' link I got a blank page. Some of the information (address/phone) on my profile page was blank even though I had previously submitted it. Switched to IE9 and it went through with no problem, I was able to upload a copy of my drivers license, and all the info on my profile page was there. Just waiting for the email stating my account was verified.

 

[tomz]

I usually use Firefox, wondering if anyone else is having problems using Firefox (24.0) to access their account? I was able to create my account using Firefox up until I needed to submit a copy of my ID to verify my account. Today I tried to submit the document but every time I clicked the 'verify account' link I got a blank page. Some of the information (address/phone) on my profile page was blank even though I had previously submitted it. Switched to IE9 and it went through with no problem, I was able to upload a copy of my drivers license, and all the info on my profile page was there. Just waiting for the email stating my account was verified.

I have used Firefox and IE8 to access the site. Chrome doesn't work for me. I had problems similar to yours and decided it would be easier to create a new account to get around the ID verified issues. That worked.

 

[pb4uski]

I had an interesting call with Vermont Health Connect today. As background, I currently have private BCBS health insurance that will expire on December 31 as a result of Obamacare. I know what I want for the new policy and I have decided to forego any subsidy (I'll pay the full premium, and in 2014 decide whether I want to manage my income to get a subsidy and if so claim it on my 2014 tax return).

Since all I want to do is buy a policy - no subsidy required - it should be easy-peasy, right? Not!!!

Earlier in October I registered and my registration was validated. I then logged on and the system asked for my info (name, SS, etc) and then put me right into a screen to select a policy. But it never asked me for any info for DW. So I stopped and called the 800 number and they suggested that I select another button to have my application withdrawn. Fine, I do that and then get a message that I have requested my application be withdrawn and they will get in touch with me. It seemed like someone needed to approve the finalization of my withdrawn application - fine.

Fast forward ten days - I have been traveling and haven't had time to check how things are. No progress from 10 days ago so I call the 800 number. They find everything and can understand where I'm at and consult with some specialists.

Guess what - they don't have the functionality to change an application operating - so the only way you can get through the process is if you were to do everything perfectly the first time - and both reps I talked to had not heard of a case where that has happened. They advised that the only way for me to do it would be to start from scratch and create a new account - user id and password - but that the new account might not work if I use my email address so I would have to create a new email address with an ISP to create a new account.

They told me where I messed up was where the question as to whether I have health insurance coverage was asked - I answered "yes" since I currently have HI - they really meant to ask if I would have health insurance coverage on January 1 so I should have answered "no". Stoopid way to ask a question!

I then ask if there is an office I can go to and sit across from someone with a system that actually works and have them help me. They then mention the navigators but explain that the navigators are having the same system problems that us commonfolk are so it might be a wasted trip.

What an unmitigated disaster!

I'm going to put it on the back burner for a couple weeks and hope they actually get their act together but given they have had 4 years to get this system ready for primetime and it isn't anywhere close to what is needed I doubt that two weeks is going to make a difference.

 

[MichaelB]

That maybe correct, It was mentioned in this article on kaiser FAQ:
Are exchanges the only place where I can get subsidized coverage?

Not exactly. Under a little-known rule proposed by the administration in June, consumers will be able to buy an exchange-approved plan – and receive a health law subsidy – from the insurance company itself rather than from the exchange.

Respectfully, I am not sure this is accurate. I think health insurance companies have to spend a certain percentage on care, and refund it that is not the case, but I am fairly certain that at this point, one must sign up on their state sites to get a subsidy. Then you can choose if the subsidy is paid directly to the insurance company, or a credit on your tax return in 2015, for the tax year 2014. Is there documentation perhaps that I am not aware of that states subsidies are available from insurance companies? Just cannot see that they would even have access to income etc....

Yes, someone can buy a subsidized policy directly from the insurer. However, the income verification and subsidy authorization still need to come from the exchange. So it is really more like "kind of", because there needs to be a working link to the exchange software application. From KFF Univision Obamacare Deal Could Put WellPoint, Blues Ahead Of Competitors - Kaiser Health News
Federal Register link here http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-06-19/pdf/2013-14540.pdf

The rule allows a customer to be sent briefly to a special section of the federal or state-run marketplaces only to see if their income qualifies them for subsidized coverage, and then can go right back to the WellPoint or Blues site to buy their coverage. These customers may not necessarily see the other options for insurance available on the exchange, and the other plans may cost less or include a wider provider network.

Is it possible for that part of the exchange application system to be working while the rest is not? Who knows...

 

[NW-Bound]

Yes, someone can buy a subsidized policy directly from the insurer. However, the income verification and subsidy authorization still need to come from the exchange...

That was the impression I had, so I spent time looking around on ehealthinsurance to shop for some plans that I like and are similar to my current non-ACA plan. It was just to have an idea of what to expect. Coverage and healthcare provider availability are not bad, but the premium is higher than what I current pay by about $500/month.

And then, I looked at the prices on healthcare.gov, and they looked so low (without subsidy at that), albeit only for some "typical" scenarios. These scenarios should be lower than mine due to our age, but that much lower? Wow! But I am not a person who would believe in fairy stories, so I did not get too excited.

So, are the plans on ehealthinsurance.com the same as the one on healthcare.gov? Could they be really different because of more restrictions put on the lower cost plans?

I guess I will never be sure until I get exact price quotes and details of coverage on healthcare.gov, which I have not even attempted to open an account on. I am going to wait another week or two, while learning about other posters' experience.

 

[MichaelB]

So, are the plans on ehealthinsurance.com the same as the one on healthcare.gov? Could they be really different because of more restrictions put on the lower cost plans?

I guess I will never be sure until I get exact price quotes and details of coverage on healthcare.gov, which I have not even attempted to open an account on. I am going to wait another week or two, while learning about other posters' experience.

You can find the specific exchange plans available to you using this tool. https://www.healthcare.gov/find-premium-estimates/#2/&aud=indv
You can't get a quote, exact price or subsidy estimate but the policy itself it there, but you can identify the exchange policies also on e-health. Any policy is sold by e-health or directly by the insurer must have the same premium.

 

[NW-Bound]

You can find the specific exchange plans available to you using this tool. https://www.healthcare.gov/find-premium-estimates/#2/&aud=indv
You can't get a quote, exact price or subsidy estimate but the policy itself it there, but you can identify the exchange policies also on e-health. Any policy is sold by e-health or directly by the insurer must have the same premium.

Yes, that was the Web page that I reported in another thread that showed such low premiums, even before any subsidy!

I just checked again. It still does not have the same detailed info as available on ehealthinsurance. The latter and/or the insurers' sites show exactly which doctors and hospitals are in a network.

So, I am still correct in using plan details from ehealthinsurance.com, and to assume that its higher price is also the correct one, until I can see the exact pricing on healthcare.gov quoted specifically for me and not a "typical scenario".

 

[Accidental Retiree]

From the looks of it, I just completed enrollment in CoveredCalifornia's exchange.

I guess I will know for sure when I get my enrollment package from
our new insurance plan no later than November 15.

 

[MichaelB]

From the looks of it, I just completed enrollment in CoveredCalifornia's exchange.

I guess I will know for sure when I get my enrollment package from
our new insurance plan no later than November 15.

 

[Animorph]

Yes, that was the Web page that I reported in another thread that showed such low premiums, even before any subsidy!

I just checked again. It still does not have the same detailed info as available on ehealthinsurance. The latter and/or the insurers' sites show exactly which doctors and hospitals are in a network.

So, I am still correct in using plan details from ehealthinsurance.com, and to assume that its higher price is also the correct one, until I can see the exact pricing on healthcare.gov quoted specifically for me and not a "typical scenario".

I was able to use the list to find an insurance provider and then go directly to the insurer's website. They had their ACA plans searchable, with specific pricing for area and age, family and individual. They had network and coverage details.

I won't need coverage until sometime in 2014, whenever DW decides to retire, so I'm staying off the exchange for now. Looks like they're making progress, though they could have saved a lot of trouble by just admitting they weren't ready to in October and waiting a month. Up until a few days ago it appeared nearly impossible to actually select insurance.

 

[jflynn4]

So, I'm officially giving up on the exchange. I have an appointment at 10:30 tomorrow morning with Blue Cross of Florida (had already decided that was the direction I was going to go). I have a different email to use when dealing with them and, from my understanding, they can direct sell a policy that will qualify for subsidies.

Hopefully all of this can get done but, from my perspective, the exchange is actually getting worse as more people have been able to get passed the initial sign on.

 

[Accidental Retiree]

Unless my enrollment was on a scam website.

It seemed to go pretty smoothly yesterday and today once I could find the login page. Oddly, I couldn't find the login spot anywhere on the CoveredCA page; I had to search for something like calheers in my history to find the login portal. A bit worrisome, that.

However, once I did find the login portal, I have been able to log in and back out and back in again pretty consistently, if slowly.

I must say, it feels good to have chosen a plan and worked my way through the process. We went Bronze HSA with Anthem, deciding that we'd rather keep our own doctors, instead of starting all over with Kaiser folks, even if our doctors may not be in network. We still don't know, as doctors and hospitals are not up yet on the CoveredCA site.

Thanks to everyone here who has contributed to this discussion for the past few months.