Health Insurance and the Affordable Care Act:
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Benefits and Coverage
Health care is a fundamental need, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as “Obamacare,” was specifically designed to ensure that everyone has access to quality, affordable health insurance. Whether you’re navigating life’s changes—like a job transition, marriage, or a move—or simply looking for the best health care options, the ACA provides a reliable pathway to secure coverage.
What Makes ACA Health Insurance Essential?
Affordability and Accessibility: The ACA offers federally regulated and subsidized health plans, making it possible for millions of Americans to afford health care. During the Open Enrollment period, or after experiencing a qualifying life event, you can access a range of health plans tailored to your needs.
Tailored Health Coverage: Finding the right health care plan can be complex, with varying deductibles, co-pays, premiums, and provider networks to consider. The ACA simplifies this process by offering a marketplace where you can compare multiple options based on your household size, income, and zip code. This ensures that you choose a plan that fits your budget and health needs.
Guided Support: Choosing health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Our expert guidance helps you navigate the options from numerous health insurance carriers and brokers, ensuring you find the best plan for your unique situation. By entering your zip code and some basic details, we’ll match you with suitable ACA health plans, providing you with the best options to protect your health.
What Types of Health Plans are Available
Health plans are classified under five major categories. This makes comparisons easier. The categories are divided according to the percentage of health care costs that consumers pay.
Bronze Plan
This Plan Pays
60%
Of Your Health Costs.
Silver Plan
This Plan Pays
70%
Of Your Health Costs.
Gold Plan
This Plan Pays
80%
Of Your Health Costs.
Platinum Plan
This Plan Pays
90%
Of Your Health Costs.
Catastrophic Plan
These Plans Are Only Available For People Under 30 Years Or Those Experiencing Financial Hardship.
This Plan Pays less than
60%
Of Your Health Costs.
Finding Affordable Health Insurance in Florida
The state of Florida offers a wide assortment of affordable health care insurance options. Find plans that give you and your family long-term coverage. Or, enroll in short-term plans for as little as one month. This can protect you from gaps in between insurance plans. With a variety of options, you can rest assured you’ll find a quality health plan that meets your needs.
The Covered Florida Website
View income limits, get quotes, shop plans online. Submit an application from the convenience of your own home. If you need additional assistance with finding the right health plan at an affordable rate, call to speak with a certified agent: (877) 752-4737 . Or, visit a local Covered Florida Storefront. These services are all offered at no cost.
Through the dedicated efforts of many Florida health insurance agents, navigators and assisters, our state experienced a drop in the number of those uninsured. From 2013 to 2014 the number of uninsured went from 15% to 10%. As of 2020, this number has dropped to 7% (Kaiser Family Foundation State Health Facts for Florida).
There are still more people that need coverage. However, the Florida State Exchange is one of the most successful at implementing Obama Care (The Affordable Care Act) in the country.
Is Health Insurance Coverage Required?
The Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010. This legislation, often referred to as Obamacare, required all U.S. citizens and permanent residents to have health insurance. Also, that coverage must meet the minimum essential benefit requirements. President Trump and Congress overturned this mandate in 2018. However, Florida implemented their own mandate in 2019. Thus, everyone in the state must continue to be enrolled in a health plan throughout the year. If you go without health coverage, you will pay a tax penalty.
Where Can I Enroll?
Health for Florida gives you quick and instant access to quotes. You’ll find affordable Covered Florida individual, family and small business plans.
Get a quote in 30 seconds. Apply in 5-10 minutes. Our process is fast, easy and free. Plans start at $0 per month. No contact information is required. Find the best quotes from multiple providers in your area.
When is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance This Year?
The Open Enrollment Period (OEP): November 1 through January 31
Renewal Packets Arrive: October and November
The Special Enrollment Period (SEP): February through October
Most enrollment occurs during the Open Enrollment Period. No Qualifying Life Events (QLE’s) are required at this time. For those renewing, OEP gives members the opportunity to change plans each year. You can cancel your plan at any time, but to change plans, that must be done during the Open Enrollment Period. Or, you can change plans during the Special Enrollment Period with a Qualifying Life Event.
Normally, during the Special Enrollment Period you would need a QLE to enroll or change plans. Qualifying Life Events include losing coverage, losing a job, having a baby, moving to Florida, getting married or divorced, etc.).
You can find the following types of plans
- Individual and Family Healthcare Plans: Since the passing of the Affordable Care Act, all non-grandfathered health plans must meet the minimum essential benefit requirements. They must provide coverage for hospitalization, emergency, preventative care, and prescription drugs. These plans are ACA compliant. They offer high-quality, affordable coverage to everyone, regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.
- Short-Term Plans: Short-term health plans are no longer legal in Florida (SB910). However, consumers may enroll in a traditional medical insurance plan for as little as 30 days. This can fill healthcare insurance gaps and protect consumers who are between jobs. Short-term travel insurance is still available.
- Medicare: Medicare and Senior Health Plans are granted to qualifying individuals over the age of 65. This medical coverage is also available to qualifying individuals who suffer from chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- Medicaid: This is referred to as Medi-Cal in Florida . This coverage is offered to individuals and families with a household income that is below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.