In this blog, I am just going to offer links that assist in acquiring Health Insurance through the Exchange, or signing up for your state's Medicaid MCO.
If you don't think you qualify for government covered insurance, shop the Marketplace.
https://www.healthcare.gov/
What is the Marketplace?
HIX, or the Health Insurance Exchange, is the place where you can find out how much your coverage will cost, shop different plans, and learn what's available.
I keep hearing MCO-What does it mean and how does it impact me?
MCO stands for Managed Care Organization. Each state awarded a handful of insurance companies this contract. It is for people on or applying for Medicaid under the new guidelines.
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Delivery-Systems/Managed-Care/Managed-Care.html
It's actually pretty cool. The insurance providers who were given the contract had to come up with Value Added Benefits which are in addition to the required list of covered services. You can benefit from Preventive Medicine, Vision, Dental, and in some states Native Medicine Men/Women and Curanderas/Curanderos (or traditional healers) and several others.
How do I apply?
Low Income-http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-State/By-State.html
Fill out the application for Medical Assistance. If they feel your income is too high, you will be directed to the Marketplace, listed above.
There is no reason to fear the ACA. For the first time in American history, your health is in your hands. For the first time, many people who were never covered, can take control and get the coverage they need to stay healthy. I am a cheerleader for self-empowerment in the healthcare industry, and this is a great stride in the right direction. For the first time, Insurance Companies are forced to work FOR you.
Good luck, and happy shopping!
