By Ray Wilson+

According to Cover Oregon, Oregonian’s who want Obamacare coverage to start January 1, 2014, must submit applications for health insurance and financial savings by December 4, 2013. Applications must be postmarked, faxed or submitted online by this date. Oregon’s enrollment date is eleven days prior to the federal deadline of December 15, 2013 for the new ACA plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans.

To learn more about plans available in your state call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage.

By Katie Banks+

Cover Oregon announced that individuals will need the help of an insurance agent or state appointed aide to sign up for a plan from Oregon’s Health Insurance Marketplace initially. This does not mean that individuals will be without health insurance, but just will need help applying for the new ObamaCare plans: ObamaCare Bronze Plan, Silver Plan, Gold Plan, and Platinum Plan.

Oregon’s announcement has stirred up doubt from ObamaCare naysayers. They believe if a gung-ho state like Oregon can’t be ready that means that other states won’t be ready by the enrollment date of October 1, 2013. According to Reuters, Experts are saying, “The Government Accountability Office and the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), have warned that the massive effort to build new online insurance marketplaces in all 50 states may not be ready by Oct. 1.”

Although this may appear as a setback for the residents of Oregon, it may work in their favor. The reason for this is insurance can be confusing, and this guarantees that residents speak with a person who will help them ensure that they receive the proper ObamaCare subsidy, if they qualify. It is important to note that navigators (state appointed Health Insurance Marketplace aides) can not give advice on which plan is best for you, while an agent can. Using an agent does not cost anymore than purchasing a plan directly from a navigator or from the online exchange.

For further questions about your state’s exchange call 800-930-7956 or contact Medicoverage for assistance.

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.