Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Enrollment for health care options under the Affordable Care Act begin today. Some state leaders, however, say there are problems with the enrollment website this morning. They suggest people wait for those glitches to be fixed.
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Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Americans can enroll in the Affordable Care Act as soon as next week, but a new report shows that Kansans won’t have as many options as people in other states.
The Department of Health and Human Services released new data about the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.
In the report, it shows that Kansans will have their choice of 37 qualified health plans, whereas most Americans will get 53.
Don’t worry, though, that doesn’t mean the state won’t get quality health care, said Bob Hanson, director of communications at the Kansas Insurance Department.
He said because Kansas has fewer insurers attached to the exchange program, there will be fewer options.
The federal report also shows that a Kansas family of four with a moderate income could pay $619 a month for a “Silver Plan” health insurance. It’s the second lowest option in the program.
People who do not have any health insurance may face penalties, according to the Kansas Insurance Department. The penalty is $95 per adult or 1 percent of their income — whichever is greater. Families can face as much as a $285 tax. The amount will be factor into 2014 income tax returns.
Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins on Oct. 1. Coverage starts in 2014.
For more information, go to www.insureks.org.