Today marks the opening of the Affordable Care Act鈥檚 federal health insurance marketplace 鈥� .
Beginning today, consumers can begin purchasing health insurance plans, with coverage beginning Jan. 1. It鈥檚 a signature component of the insurance changes collectively known as "Obamacare."
KUT has been covering the run-up to today鈥檚 marketplace opening. Here鈥檚 some answers to common questions about the marketplace: the types of coverage offered, how to navigate the marketplace and more, including an interactive guide.
In the audio player below, listen to a conversation between KUT's Jennifer Stayton and Veronica Zaragovia summarizing key points about the marketplace and the Affordable Care Act.
How Much Will Health Insurance Cost?
That number depends on a variety of factors, including age, income and level of coverage.
Broadly speaking, there are five categories of coverage under Obamacare: catastrophic, bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Basically, the higher your monthly premium is, the greater your insurance coverage. That should result in smaller out-of-pocket costs for hospitalizations and doctors visits. And depending on your family size and income, you could qualify for an automatic tax subsidy. Read more:
Can I Still Get Coverage Even Though Texas Didn鈥檛 Create Its Own Marketplace?
Yes. While Texas declined to set up its own health care exchange, it鈥檚 participating in the exchange set up by the federal government. And new regulations of insurance plans and their rates will still be in effect here. Read more:
Has the Government Shutdown Impacted the Marketplace?
No. While House Republicans have made changes to or delay of the Affordable Care Act a key demand of continued government funding, the government shutdown that began today does not impact the insurance marketplace鈥檚 opening. Read more:
Need Help Navigating the Austin Marketplace?
Navigators are application counselors there to help consumers shop on the new insurance marketplace, and answer their questions.
- is one group helping Austinites navigate the health care exchanges. .
- is coordinating efforts with several local organizations to provide in-person application assistance in AG真人百家乐, Hays and Williamson Counties. Locations include , and centers.
- Central Texas residents can also call 2-1-1 for more information (hours and locations) about application assistance. And for 24-hour government help in English, Spanish and 150 languages, call 1-800-318-2596.
- Also, some Texans may get a visit from volunteers 鈥� such as those with the campaign of 鈥� going door to door to answer insurance questions. Read more:
What鈥檚 the Controversy Surrounding Texas Navigators?
Marketplace navigators are at the center of a political debate in Texas. State Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, authored a senate bill he said is aimed at ensuring consumers get accurate information about insurance plans. But Gov. Rick Perry cited the law in a letter to the Texas Department of Insurance calling for more stringent regulations governing navigators than current federal rules. Sen. Watson says that goes against the intent of his bill, and is an effort to undermine the rollout of Obamacare in Texas. Read more:
Below, an interactive tool that displays what your healthcare options are and how to get them, courtesy of . See more from them here: .
Leave your own questions or comments about the Affordable Care Act below.
