By Ray Wilson+

The University of Kentucky Hospital and their physicians have announced that they will join Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kentucky’s Pathway (off-Exchange) and Pathway X (on-Exchange) networks. Anthem KY’s new Affordable Care Act qualified health plans have compiled a list of all doctor/hospital networks.

On and Off-Exchange Plans

Let us explain the difference between the plans:

• On-Exchange plans are the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans. There are premium subsidies and/or cost-sharing subsidies available for those who qualify on these plans only.
• Off-Exchange plans are sold outside of the Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans may have lower premiums, larger networks, and still must offer guaranteed issuance regardless of preexisting conditions.

Doctor/Hospital Networks Available in Kentucky

Kentucky is one of a few states that has their doctor/hospital networks available. Remember to always check a plan’s network before deciding to enroll. To learn about networks and plans available in your state call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage.

By Amy De Vore+

Kynect, Kentucky’s Healthcare Connection, announced premium estimates for the new Healthcare Exchange. The new plans are called the Bronze Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan.

As the state of Kentucky updates their premiums we will update this article.

KY Premium Estimator

*This numbers are estimates based on Federal Premium Subsidies. There is no final information for premiums without subsidies for Kentucky.

Further Questions
For further questions about premiums 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.