Affordable Care Act Web Chat

Get answers from experts on changes under the health insurance law.

T. Bradley Tunis, CLU will answer your questions today between 4 and 6:30 p.m. You can submit questions now before the chat starts.

You can also call our phone bank during the same hours at (800) 345-WPTV.

by WPTV edited by WPTV Webteam 9/27/2013 7:08:08 PM

3rd & 7 37yd

Is this Obama care?

by Andrew 9/27/2013 10:52:17 PM
Andrew - this is Obamacare! What do you think?

by WPTV Webteam 9/27/2013 10:52:40 PM
If insured with employer, can you buy through marketplace if it's less expensive. Have BCBS and it's expected to go up for next year.

by Kathy 9/27/2013 10:57:32 PM
If you are insured though your employer you would not be eligible .

by WPTV Webteam 9/27/2013 10:58:13 PM
I currently have no insurance. Could not afford COBRA from last job and am waiting for 90 day period to end to get ins at new job. (Jan 1st)....will I be penalized. Do I need to sign up for something now, and if I do can I change to either employer provided coverage or marketplace coverage in Jan? Is Blue Cross Blue Shield participating?

by map1967 9/27/2013 10:58:23 PM
map - the Marketplace is for you. healthcare.gov after October 1

by WPTV Webteam 9/27/2013 10:59:09 PM
Time to sign off.... Thank you all for watching and we will be back on Tuesday to answer more questions.

by WPTV Webteam 9/27/2013 11:00:35 PM
Okay...then what happens in January when I can get employer coverage...do I then have to drop marketplace and sign up with employer?

by map1967 9/27/2013 11:00:45 PM
Map - will lose any subsidies. Call the office if you have questions.

by WPTV Webteam 9/27/2013 11:01:25 PM
The Legal Aid Society has Certified Navigators available to assist you. You can make an appointment by calling 561-655-8944 ext. 366. In Hendry, Martin and Okeechobee Counties you can call toll free: 800-403-9353 ext. 366. Or to request an appointment by e-mail: getcovered@legalaidpbc.org. You can check you eligibility for premium tax credits and cost sharing subsidies with the WPTV subsidy calculator at www.wptv.com/healthcare.

by WPTV Webteam 9/27/2013 11:01:28 PM
Bill: You should benefit from the individual plans on the marketplace. The site is having problems today. but try later in the week. or call Legal Aid for assistance. John

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:02:41 PM
Lisa: You should be good at this point. That would count as insurance.

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:03:45 PM
The Legal Aid Society has Certified Navigators available to assist you. You can make an appointment by calling 561-655-8944 ext. 366. In Hendry, Martin and Okeechobee Counties you can call toll free: 800-403-9353 ext. 366. Or to request an appointment by e-mail: getcovered@legalaidpbc.org. You can check you eligibility for premium tax credits and cost sharing subsidies with the WPTV subsidy calculator at www.wptv.com/healthcare.

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:03:52 PM
Bill - as a follow up you may need to cancel the group of 1 in January. Good thing is there are a lot of BC/BS plans on the Marketplace.

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:06:27 PM
Thank You!

by Lisa 10/1/2013 8:06:30 PM
Bill: Businesses under 50 are not required to provide insurance under the ACA. So you don't have worry if you are under . I

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:13:29 PM
So you are suggesting we get an individual policy now? I assume that this means that the business will not be fined for not providing insurance? I am sorry but this is all very confusing. I appreciate all your help.

by Bill 10/1/2013 8:13:31 PM
Bill: Businesses under 50 are not required to provide insurance under the ACA. So you don't have worry if you are under .

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:13:44 PM
If you have tried to log on to Healthcare.gov - the site has been experiencing problems all day. Don't give up - but try later in the week. This will be a great source for affordable insurance.

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:15:43 PM
The Legal Aid Society has Certified Navigators available to assist you. You can make an appointment by calling 561-655-8944 ext. 366. In Hendry, Martin and Okeechobee Counties you can call toll free: 800-403-9353 ext. 366. Or to request an appointment by e-mail: getcovered@legalaidpbc.org. You can check you eligibility for premium tax credits and cost sharing subsidies with the WPTV subsidy calculator at www.wptv.com/healthcare

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:16:46 PM
Welcome to WPTV's Affordable Care Act Web Chat. Please ask any questions you like - don't be shy!

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:20:47 PM
As a p/t employee I don't have the benefits of health insurance. Outside sources of more than $200/month premiums are way out of my league with a salary of $15000/year. Will there be a better option thru this new law for me?

by Jen 10/1/2013 8:32:42 PM
Jan : They will be much better - possible free if you take into account the premium tax credits (which go directly to lower premiums) and cost sharing subsidies. You will be very pleased with the premiums if you take into account the tax credits.

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:34:07 PM
Hi - I live in Martin Co. - 56 yrs old, smoker, & do Not have health insurance. I own a townhouse, don't work (gave up about a year ago) & have a trust that I get $30,000/yr. Right now a can't afford a thing. ALL my money goes to everyday living expenses - I don't go out. I need help. Not sure were to Turn. I know insurance is going to be too expensive because I smoke. Where do I get help-????

by JanieGAR 10/1/2013 8:34:23 PM
Janie: this is not like the old days - you will pay a bit more because you smoke but the prices will still be affordable for you. You can register on line at Marketplace.gov or by phone at 1-800-318-2596. System is very busy now but should be better by the end of the week. If you need help call Legal Aid and we can make an appointment to come to you.

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:36:13 PM
my son is currently covered under my insurance however he turn 26 mid Jan and can no longer by on my insurance he can not afford cobra he works part time 20 hrs at min wage so annual income is less than $10'000 what does he do

by barb 10/1/2013 8:36:28 PM
Barb: From the prices we are seeing your son will be able to get very affordable coverage.

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:36:53 PM
I gave up - looking for work - last yr. Just couldn't find anything.

by JanieGAR 10/1/2013 8:37:00 PM
Janie: I am sorry to hear that. We are happy to help you with the sign up.

by WPTV Webteam 10/1/2013 8:37:25 PM
I am a 35 year old mother of 3..I have no income at the moment. I home school all 3 of my children and I would like to know how I could get insurance for me and my son?

by Jessica Pugliese 10/1/2013 8:37:35 PM
where does he start to look he does has some mild learning disabilities

by barb 10/1/2013 8:38:42 PM
Since he is covered until Dec 31 2013 when should he start looking for alternative insurance

by barb 10/1/2013 8:40:48 PM
Even if I live in Martin Co. ??

by JanieGAR 10/1/2013 8:41:48 PM
As a p/t employee I don't have benefits at work. My only

by Jen 10/1/2013 8:41:52 PM
I guess I can call Legal Aid in PB County - even if I live in Martin. Thank You.

by JanieGAR 10/1/2013 8:47:36 PM
I have prexisting problems so insurance for me is very high, so right now I have no insurance. the company I work for will not cover me and I would have to pay a penalty, from what the lady in the office said.

by Paul 10/1/2013 8:48:17 PM
We are retired and on medicare. Do we need more insurance or medicare will be all we need

by Marcos 10/1/2013 8:50:19 PM
My daughter has been unemployed for 3 months. She pays child support of $400/month, day car of $150/week for a second child. She has no money other than food stamps. How can she ever afford medical insurance. Children are on Medicaid. Can she get Medicaid as well?

by Barbara 10/1/2013 8:57:32 PM
Hi, I have been in the process of obtaining SSDI since 2011.. I have been out of work and diagnosed 100% disabled by my doctor; I'm confused as to whether or not I need to obtain health insurance until my case is heard.. I am unemployed and I can not afford the health insurance that I need. What do I do?? I certainly don't want to " break the law "

by B. justice 10/1/2013 9:04:56 PM
I am in the process of obtaining SSDI since 2011. I am uninsured and unemployed and cannot afford health insurance. I certainly do not want to be " breaking the law" by not obtaining insurance. I have been diagnosed 100% disabled by my doctor .. What do I do in the meantime?

by B. justice 10/1/2013 9:07:35 PM
Everyone talks of "income " as part of the requirements of obamacare. What specific line item on the standard IRS 1040 form are we talking about? Line 7 - wages, salaries?,Ira distribution ? Social security ? Investment income?Net income? Adjusted gross income? Taxable income ?

My inquires have been unsuccessful.

Sent from my iPhone

by Darrell 10/1/2013 9:07:45 PM
If I put down that I made 11,500 for my 2014 year income and I don't make that, what happens, is there a tax penalty or do I have to pay the money I used for doctors back?

by ondisplay 10/1/2013 9:09:56 PM
Good afternoon, We are here to help you with questiions about the Affordable Health Care.

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:03:35 PM
Does anyone know what the average cost is for the the health insurance on the government site? I am 57 year old female. And does the government take into consideration what I have saved in the bank? I was recently laid off.

by Rebecca 10/4/2013 8:09:38 PM
The website has been tied up. The cost will be dependent on your income and family size. Further there will be different plans to choose from for your coverage.

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:11:41 PM
The coverage will be effective January 1st. You need to make application by November 15th, so you may want to let the problems get worked out and give it a couple of weeks before trying the website at healthcare.gov. You can also goto nahu.org and find an agent to help you throught the process.

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:15:06 PM
How does this act affect families that already have their own insurance?

by alreadyw/insur 10/4/2013 8:15:12 PM
If you currently have individual coverage for your family, you don't have to do anything right now. At the renewal of your coverage in 2013, the coverage will change and will have additional benefits. This probably means there will be an increase in premium.

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:16:54 PM
OK, thanks. No dependents, no income. But have money in the bank, my savings so can not apply for medicaid.

by Rebecca 10/4/2013 8:17:22 PM
If you can't get medicaid, you can go through the exchange but there will be no subsidy available

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:18:21 PM
I've seen the costs of healthcare though I can't register yet due to the log jam on the site but what if the cost are not feasible? The site doesn't take into consideration the cost of living expenses vs. income?

by Jane Arsenal 10/4/2013 8:18:34 PM
It is true that only income and size of family are used to see if you are eligible for the subsidy. If the cost is not feasible, you will have a penalty of $95 or1% of your income, whichever is greater. This will be due when you file your 2014 taxes

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:20:52 PM
So if I choose to opt out due to the expense, I'll pay a $95 penalty for not having insurance? Well that's a LOT cheaper then purchasing insurance at the exchange.

by Jane Arsenal 10/4/2013 8:23:47 PM
It is $95 or 1% of your income. So if you were to make $100,000 and are single, the penalty would be $1,000.

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:25:01 PM
So, if you have no income (laid off) but have savings to live off of until you get a job, will they take 1% off your unemployment?

by Brandy 10/4/2013 8:26:40 PM
You may be eligible for Medicaid or a large subsidy payment for your coverage depending on your income. Not sure of rules for unemployment benefits. but at minimum you would have the $95 penalty. I will try and see how unemployment benefits would be considered \.

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:29:07 PM
Unemployment benefits are considered income for purposes of the penalty.

by WPTV Webteam 10/4/2013 8:33:21 PM
We are federal employees living in Puerto Rico. Since this is a common wealth and nit a state do these same "rules" apply here? The gov. Shutdown sure has. But I don't see anyone worked up about act here??

by alreadyw/insur 10/4/2013 8:33:36 PM
I tried to get Medicaid in 2000 during my divorce but was denied because my 8 year old Tercel was worth more than $2000. Lost my life savings to a surgery. This doesn't seem like it's going to work for me either (my car's worth more - 2003 Camry).

by Brandy 10/4/2013 8:35:40 PM
if you are enrolled in florida Medicaid medically needt program do you still have to purchase insurance through the marketplace?

by amber 10/4/2013 8:40:40 PM