Obamacare Sign-Up Numbers

This past Sunday, the Obama Administration reported that 1.1 million individuals have signed-up for health plans available through Obamacare's exchanges. This number is a drastic increases from the dismal 100,000 reported to have signed up at the end of November. Consumers must remember that "signing-up" is not the same as "enrolling." To be "enrolled," the insurance company must have received payment from the prospective individual. It is uncertain how many individuals are actually enrolled in qualified health plans, even though sign-up numbers have been announced. Citizens are also concerned with the type of individuals enrolled and signed-up already. The entire Obamacare system requires there to be a balance of health and unhealthy individuals in order for the exchanges to continue to work properly and premiums to remain stable. Although this information is vital to the future effects and implementations of Obamacare, it is yet to be revealed.

Carolina Health Insurance Market
Assisting individuals purchase affordable and effective insurance.

Obamacare's Deadlines

Dec. 23.- Last day that insurers are required to accept enrollments for coverage that begins on Jan. 1.

Dec. 31- Payment is due to the insurance plan for a January 1st effective date.

Shoppers will need sign up by the 15th in order for it to take effect the following month. In January, for example, shoppers will need to enroll in coverage by Jan. 15 for it to take effect in February.

March 31- Open enrollment ends.

Carolina Health Insurance Market
Assisting individuals purchase affordable and effective insurance.

Confirming Enrollment Status

Individuals within the marketplace are being urged to confirm their enrollment status after their desired plan has been chosen. Although participants in the exchange might choose a plan, the coverage will not being until payment has been received and cleared. Agents and navigators are continuing to remind consumers that choosing a plan is not the final step, and follow up is necessary. Some individuals are further required to submit additional documentation through the government website. After a plan is chosen and all documentation is submitted, individuals are required to submit payment. Remember to follow up with your local agency or contact your insurance provider to confirm receipt of payment and the date coverage will begin.

Carolina Health Insurance Market
Assisting individuals purchase affordable and effective insurance.

Obamacare Data Releasing This Week

The Obama Administration plans on releasing up to date healthcare enrollment numbers this week. Of course, pressure is building from outside sources to better understand the number of participants still left to enroll before the deadline of March 31. Numbers should also determine the demographics of which individuals are successfully enrolling and those that are seeking plans on the exchange. It is said that the data will also provide information on which plans are being purchased. Before the October 1  release, it was anticipated that around 500,000 Americans would be enrolled in October, and 700,000 in November. No reports or comments have been released with regard to these numbers.

Dental Insurance Quote

Individuals looking for dental insurance information can now visit carolinahealthinsurancemarket.com for a free quote. Affordable dental plans are available for individuals of all ages. Please visit our website for more information.

Carolina Health Insurance Market Mobile Website

We've now update our website for all of our mobile users.

Check out our website on your smart phone and other devices to learn more about Health Care Reform.

NC Health Exchange Updates

The federal exchange website has been experiencing several problems with individuals logging in and completing the application process. The federal government is asking individual to be patient with the system's technical problems. Government officials report that the system is functioning properly; however, due to the high volume of traffic, users are experiencing issues when visiting the exchange. These occurrences should be fixed shortly with traffic slowly calming down, and increased support from the government.

Within the exchange, Bronze plans are optimal for those earning between 200% to 250% of the poverty level. These plans are available at no cost- giving individuals a great opportunity to take advantage of the options available through the federal exchange.

Health Sign-up Delayed for Small Business

In the latest Affordable Care Act new's updates, it has been released that small businesses in 36 states , including North Carolina and South Carolina, can't enroll their workers into health coverage until November 1st. Technological issues are being cited as the main cause for these delays, specifically in the Small Business Health Option, also known as SHOP. SHOP, the online insurance marketplace designed specifically for small employers, will still allow employers and employees to view available health plans on October 1st, but not enroll until November 1st. 

North Carolina Health Insurance Exchange Update

First Carolina Care will not be participating in the North Carolina Health Insurance Exchange, leaving only two providers. More news to come.

Health Care 'Data Hub' Updates

For months, the government has been under increasing downward pressure to complete the data hub that will ensure consumers a quick and safe enrollment process come October 1st. The chief technology officer of the United States, Todd Park, announced this past Tuesday that the system has successfully completed security testing. This test comes weeks earlier than the previously anticipated completion date of September 30th, just one day before the exchanges are expected to open. The system will verify Social Security numbers, immigration status, and an array of other information that will enable consumers to purchase health plans and qualify for subsidies in real time. This information is gathered through a number of federal agencies including the Internal Revenue Service and Department of Homeland Security. Still, with the test complete, many individuals are worrying about the hurried nature of the system's construction and the potential threat of mishaps and outside hacks occurring on October 1st. Administration officials are responding to these comments by issuing statements confirmation the rigorous tests being issued prior to October 1st, and that only qualified individuals are being given access to the information the system contains.

Health Savings Accounts

Health Savings Accounts (HSA'S) are a great way for individuals and families to reduce their premium costs in the new Health Insurance world.

If you are a family that does not use much healthcare, why not pay less in premium and pay for prescription and doctor visits when you need them?  Preventative services are covered at 100% , so you do not need to worry about those costs.

If you are individual or family that does use a lot of healthcare, then an HSA plan is great way to cap your liability and you can write off your contributions to HSA on your taxes.

For more info, visit www.carolinahealthinsurancemarket.com

Premium Reductions through Federal Subisidies

Individuals earning less $44,000 and families of four earning less than $94,000 a year will see their premiums reduced by Federal Subsidies that will be paid directly to the insurance companies.

Are you eligible for a premium reduction?

Visit www.carolinahealthinsurancemarket.com to find out more.

67 Health Insurance Plans Available

There will be 67 plans to choose from with varying levels of coverage:

Coverage options will include a catastrophic plan and four coverage levels. Catastrophic coverage plans are designed for people under age 30 and those with very low incomes; they have large deductibles and cover just three primary care visits a year but provide a cushion against ruinous medical bills. Bronze plans will cover 60 percent of health care expenses, silver plans will cover 70 percent and gold 80 percent. The costliest coverage level, platinum, will cover 90 percent of medical expenses.

Which plan is right for you and your family?

Visit the experts at www.carolinahealthinsurancemarket.com 

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/08/01/4207634/nc-officials-approve-67-subsidized.html#storylink=cpy

Representing Insurance Companies

It looks like there will only be three insurance companies that are represented in the North Carolina Federal Health Exchange.  They are BCBSNC, Coventry Health Plans and First Carolina Care.  These three carriers will offer a combined 67 different health plans for individuals to choose from. 

Will you be able to tell the difference in these plans?

For more information visit www.carolinahealthinsurancemarket.com

Tax Credits

Tax credits will be available to people earning up to $90,000 per year for a family of four and who purchase health insurance through one of the online health insurance exchanges to be set up in late 2013.

72 Days Remaining

Only 72 days until the Health Exchanges open; are you eligible for a subsidy?

To find out, go to www.carolinahealthinsurancemarket.com