Obamacare and Seniors

 

For seniors, coverage options under the Affordable Care Act depend on whether or not you're covered by Medicare.

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If you’re over the age of 65, your health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) depend on whether or not you’re covered by Medicare or another insurance plan. To find out what, if anything, you need to do, find the situation below that applies to you.

You have Medicare. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare, you’re considered covered under the ACA, and you don’t have to do anything. In fact, it’s illegal for someone who knows you have Medicare to try to sell you a plan through an ACA health insurance marketplace.

The Affordable Care Act does enhance your existing Medicare coverage by providing additional preventive care benefits, such as cancer screenings and an annual wellness visit.

For more information on Medicare coverage, go to Medicare.gov.

You’re over 65 but not eligible for Medicare. You are welcome to purchase a health plan from Healthcare.gov, the health insurance marketplace for Missouri. If you meet the qualifications based on income and family size, you are eligible for cost-saving subsidies, too.

You have retiree health benefits. If you have a health plan from a previous employer, you’re considered covered under the Affordable Care Act. That said, you are welcome to shop for a new, individual health plan at Healthcare.gov. However, if your retirement coverage is considered affordable under the ACA and meets certain minimum standards, or if you are eligible for Medicare but have chosen not to enroll, you won’t qualify for the ACA’s cost-saving subsidies.

You don’t have any health coverage. Older adults who aren’t enrolled in Medicare and have no other health coverage can enroll in a plan at Healthcare.gov. Keep in mind, however, that if you are eligible for Medicare but choose to enroll in a marketplace plan instead, you will not qualify for the cost-saving subsidies offered by the ACA.


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Jurisdictional relevance: US

Legal Consumer - Gentry County, MOLaw. The content of this article pertains to all US states and counties.


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