By Katie Banks+

As you have probably heard, the ObamaCare website has had some serious glitches, but now there is a way to avoid all that. Medicoverage announced today that they are able to quickly submit paper applications for ACA Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans in most states.

ObamaCare ACA Paper Application

The Affordable Care Act paper application is now available for individuals and families in the following states. This is the easiest way to apply for health coverage. Click on your state below to access the application.

Alabama ObamaCare Application
Alaska ObamaCare Application
Arizona ObamaCare Application
Arkansas ObamaCare Application
California ObamaCare Application
Delaware ObamaCare Application
Florida ObamaCare Application
Georgia ObamaCare Application
Indiana ObamaCare Application
Illinois ObamaCare Application
Iowa ObamaCare Application
Kansas ObamaCare Application
Louisiana ObamaCare Application
Maine ObamaCare Application
Michigan ObamaCare Application
Mississippi ObamaCare Application
Missouri ObamaCare Application
Montana ObamaCare Application
Nebraska ObamaCare Application
New Hampshire ObamaCare Application
New Jersey ObamaCare Application
North Carolina ObamaCare Application
North Dakota ObamaCare Application
Ohio ObamaCare Application
Oklahoma ObamaCare Application
Pennsylvania ObamaCare Application
South Carolina ObamaCare Application
South Dakota ObamaCare Application
Tennessee ObamaCare Application
Texas ObamaCare Application
Utah ObamaCare Application
Virginia ObamaCare Application
West Virginia ObamaCare Application
Wisconsin ObamaCare Application
Wyoming ObamaCare Application

Need Assistance filling out the Application?

You can call an agent to receive help while filling out the app or selecting the right plan by calling 800-930-7956. We are here to help you. Many people don’t realize that there is no fee to work with an agent. With our help and the new paper application you won’t experience the ObamaCare website timing out nor the long wait times for hotline assistance (apparently reported up to 45 mins!). And, not to worry, you will be still be eligible for ObamaCare subsidies if you qualify.

When you’re done with your application fax it to 310-765-4136 or mail it to the address on the cover sheet of your application.

By Amy De Vore+

Healthcare.gov delayed the Affordable Care Act federal SHOP* exchanges purchased through their site till 2015. However, small businesses, if they qualify, may still receive SHOP tax credits when they enroll through insurance agents or brokers for the new ObamaCare small business plans.

*SHOP stands for Small Business Health Option.

This is just one of many delays, including the employer requirement that employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees must offer insurance or face a penalty. This was also delayed until 2015.

SHOP Employers Enroll Through Agents

Agents, like the team at Medicoverage, will be able to help employers find a plan(s) and enroll them, even though they cannot use the federal website. For employers to get an idea of plans click here to see the individual and family ACA Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available. Employers will need to contact their agent directly at 800-930-7956 to find out what works best for them.

If Your Employer Chooses Not to Enroll in SHOP

If you are an employee who will not receive job-based health insurance you are still mandated to have health insurance or pay an ACA penalty (tax). If you need your own health insurance go to HealthApplication.com to fill out your individual or family application. Once you send in this application your agent will inform whether you are eligible for federal subsidies and explain the plans to you.

Remember before you do anything, check with your employer to see if they enroll you in a plan. If your employer offers you qualifying insurance you cannot receive subsidies. For further questions contact Medicoverage.

By Katie Banks+

The federal website, Healthcare.gov, “will not work perfectly on Dec. 1,” per CMS spokesperson, Julie Bataille. The spokesperson went on to say, “periods of suboptimal performance” will still be present due to high traffic and technical difficulties, according to The John and Rusty Report.

The website has been plagued with long wait times and the system timing out when people try to apply for one the new ACA plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Bataille’s announcement came after the federal website had an unexpected one hour outage on Monday, November 25, 2013.

How to Avoid the Federal Website

Many people may not realize that they do not have to use the federal website to be insured and receive federal subsidies on January 1, 2014. Agents and brokers are able to help people enroll in plans without the consumer having to go onto the fed’s site. All federal applications should be in as early as possible to have coverage on January 1, 2014. Below you will find the application:

Go to Healthapplication.com to fill out your paper Obamacare Health Exchange Application.

At anytime if you have a question while filling out your application or to learn about which plan is right for you call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage.

By Ray Wilson+

The federally run Obamacare plans have received an extension till December 23, 2013 for a January 1, 2014 start date. This gives consumers in those states an extra 8 days to decide on one of the new Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum plans.

ACA Applications

Go to Healthapplication.com to get your paper application. Once you fill out the application and send it in, you will be contacted to discuss plans and informed if you qualify for subsidies. Remember to fax, scan and email, or snail mail your application in as soon as possible.

To learn if your state has extended its deadline call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage.

By Katie Banks+

Iowa released its new Health Insurance Marketplace rates. The chart below represents the new Affordable Care Act plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

Iowa Premium Rate Chart

The Iowa chart displays a few age groups for the different counties of the state. It is important to note the following prices do not include subsidies, therefore your monthly premium could be a lot less than what is shown below. For your specific premium cost and to learn if you qualify for premium subsidies or cost-sharing subsidies call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage. Scroll to the right to see prices.

Click here for a full screen version of the Iowa ACA Chart.

By Katie Banks+

According to USA Today Iowa’s Exchange issues went beyond the glitches of most states on the first day of open enrollment by not having properly hired navigators to help callers. In a quote from world-renowned newspaper, “Visiting Nurse Services and Planned Parenthood of the Heartland both received federal grants to hire “navigators,” who are to help consumers figure out their options on the new online system. Both agencies say they’re working to hire and train navigators, and should have them available within a few weeks.”

Agents Are Able To Assist on Exchange

Many don’t realize you don’t need a call center person to help you enroll in the Exchange plans known as the Affordable Care Act plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Agents and brokers are able to help with on Exchange plans as well as being one of the only sources to help with off-Exchange plans.

Off-Exchange plans may have lower premiums but do not include premium subsidies (help with monthly costs) or cost-sharing subsidies (help when seek medical care) available with the new metal plans for those who qualify. These off Exchange plans are meant for those who don’t qualify for subsidies.

For assistance with plans in your state call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage.

By Ray Wilson+

Iowa has announced 6 providers for the Health Insurance Marketplace starting October 1, 2013. The Hawkeye State will offer the new Affordable Care Act Bronze Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan.

Iowa Exchange Providers

The following are the proposed providers for Iowa:

• Coventry Health Care of Iowa
• CoOportunity Health
• Avera Health Plans
• Gunderson Health Plan
• Sanford Health
• Health Alliance Midwest

Iowa Off-Exchange Plans

Plans are available off the Exchange that are either identical to the metal plan or may offer additional benefits. Agents are available to help with either Exchange or off-Exchange plans.

For questions about plans in your state call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage.

By Amy De Vore+

The Affordable Care Act helps the uninsured in a few ways. For instance, in the LA Times today there was an article about a woman making $12.68 an hour, mother of one child, lives in Los Angeles, and recently choose to forego surgery because she was uninsured. As of January 1st this woman would have options for health coverage.

How the Affordable Care Act Helps Uninsured

She isn’t qualified for Medicaid, however since she works she may qualify for job-based insurance as 2015. Until then and if her employer doesn’t offer insurance she would qualify for premium subsidies and cost-sharing subsidies, and her daughter would qualify for Medi-Cal.

Costs for Lower-Income Families

The article doesn’t state how old she is, but if she is 30, her Silver plan premium could be as low as $93 a month and her deductible would be reduced from $2000 to $500, and a reduced maximum out of pocket from $6,350 to $2,250. This would apply to any single parent to one child living in the Los Angeles area, making her salary.

How do Lower-Income Families and Individuals Get Insurance?

First, it’s important to remember for anyone purchasing a plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace you need your W2 paperwork and financial information handy like child support, alimony, assets. Then you can either go directly through your state’s newly established call center’s navigators or you can go through your insurance agent. Many don’t realize that agents can help with on and off-Exchange plans.

Lower Income Seniors

Seniors do not have to do anything as of January 1st. Seniors stay on Medicare and do not apply for the new metal plans. Make sure your friends and parents are aware that there is nothing for them to do, because states are vocally expressing their concerns about seniors being tricked by scammers into giving away personal information due to the lack of awareness in regards to the ACA.

To learn if you qualify for a subsidy call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage.