Top 10: Most frequently asked questions about the Affordable Care Act

You don’t have to do anything if you already have health insurance. The Affordable Care Act allows you to keep qualified insurance plans you already have and requires that your insurance company does an even better job providing benefits and preventive care. Remember to review your health insurance options carefully. You have until March 2014 to enroll in a health plan without penalty. ASU Health Services also offers an insurance plan, which provides comprehensive coverage options for students. This health insurance package allows you to meet with physicians and providers on campus, and to receive quality health care services.

It depends on the source of your insurance. If you receive health insurance through ASU Health Services’ ABOR plan (Aetna Student Health), then you are covered for a number of preventative care services and coverage for health emergencies. You also receive access to Aetna’s nationwide network of doctors, hospitals, and specialists throughout the county. For those not participating in the student health insurance plan, the Affordable Care Act provides coverage options. https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/ The law allows young adults under the age of 26 to stay on their parent’s insurance. Thus, most college students won’t need to worry about insurance until they enter the workforce and receive insurance as a work benefit.

It depends on the source of your health insurance. Approximately half of Americans receive insurance through their employers. Ask your employer about your specific healthcare options.If you are purchasing insurance for yourself, check out Aetna Student Health Insurance, the ASU Health Services Bridge Discount Plan or the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace.

The advantages of the ACA are: 1) The provision of affordable health insurance, 2) There are many plans available to compare and contrast, 3) For citizens, there is a possibility of receiving tax credits, and subsidies, depending on income, 4) If you qualify for AHCCCS (Medicaid) your application will be forwarded, 5) Preventative care is included. The disadvantages of the ACA are: 1) Higher insurance deductibles may apply, 2) There is a potential for more out of pocket costs to the patient, 3) ASU Health Services and/or your physician may not be included in the plan’s network of providers.

Individuals can purchase personal insurance on the health insurance marketplace online as of October 1st, 2013. Citizens have until March 2014 to select a health coverage option without penalty. Certain states have elected to host their own state exchanges. Other states, like Arizona, have opted to participate in the federal exchange. In either case, you can purchase personal insurance online.

ASU Health Services serves as a contracted provider under the Affordable Care Act, with United Healthcare Community Plan, HealthNetAccess, Blue Cross Blue Shield Alliance and Blue Cross Blue Shield Value. Please check the ASU Health Services Website for more updates: https://eoss.asu.edu/health

Students who are U.S. citizens or nationals, including non-citizens who are lawfully present in the United States for the period where enrollment is sought, are able to access the marketplace. For more information, please go to: https://www.healthcare.gov/immigrants/immigration-status/

Yes! The Law contains provisions for federal assistance to individuals (and businesses) in the form of Tax Credits. Depending on your income level and other factors, you can receive aid to help pay for health insurance.

Yes. The following reasons may be cause for an exemption: (1) Individuals who cannot afford coverage, (2) Individuals with household incomes below filing threshold, (3) Members of federally recognized Indian tribes, (4) Individuals who experience hardship, (4) Individuals who experience a short coverage gap, (5) Members of certain religious sects, (6) members of health care sharing ministry, (7) incarcerated individuals, and (8) illegal immigrants. To learn more about these categories and if you qualify, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid website: http://www.cms.gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Fact-Sheets/2013-Fact-Sheets-Items/