Starting from November 1, 2016, the 2017 Obama Healthcare Plan officially went on sale. The U.S. Department of Health announced that the premiums for the 2017 Obama Healthcare Plan will increase by an average of 22%, with most states in the U.S. experiencing a rise in premiums. At the same time, the Department of Health warned that in 2016, there were 298 insurance companies participating in the Obama Healthcare, which will sharply decrease to 228 in 2017. This will leave more than 1/5 of consumers with only one insurance company to choose from when purchasing health insurance. So how can new immigrants to the United States apply for the Obama Healthcare Plan?
1. How to Apply?
1. Online Application (Recommended! The Easiest Way)
Official website: www.healthcare.gov
2. Phone Application
Call the 24/7 customer service at healthcare.gov at 1-800-318-2596.
3. Mail Application (Most Complicated)
First, handwrite the application form, the link to the form is here: ketplace-application-for-family.pdf. Then mail it to the specified address, and after receiving a response within two weeks, register online or by phone.
4. Agent Application (Most Worry-Free)
Go to https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/#intro, enter your zip code, and find a locally trained social worker to help you apply.
Special Reminder:
(1) Regardless of the method chosen, if the application materials are the same, the medical assistance and premiums you receive will be the same.
(2) After submitting the application, Chinese applicants should also keep track of the progress. Sometimes, due to incomplete materials submitted, the government will send a letter requesting the applicant to provide additional materials. Upon receiving the letter, the applicant should promptly send the supplementary materials to ensure a smooth application process for the Obama Healthcare.
(3) When applying online, be sure to check the details before selecting a plan, such as whether your commonly used medications and frequently visited clinics are included, and do not just consider the price.
2. Basic Materials Required for Health Insurance Application
1. Basic Information:
§ Valid identification (Social Security Number, driver's license, work card, passport, valid visa, etc.)
§ U.S. residential address (rental agreement, mortgage statement, property deed, utility bills, etc.)
§ Proof of income (tax documents, pay stubs, check stubs, etc.)
§ U.S. bank account information (for payment)
§ U.S. contact number
2. If you are applying during a special enrollment period, you will also need the following documents:
§ Passport entry page
§ Copy of green card
§ Copy of flight ticket
§ I-20 for F1 students, etc.
3. Which Insurance Plan is Cost-Effective?
When choosing a health insurance plan, individuals should consider factors such as personal income, the ratio of co-pay and deductible, and their own health status. For example, elderly individuals or those with chronic illnesses may need to visit doctors and obtain medications frequently, so their choices may differ from those of younger individuals.
Recommendation: If you have certain medical needs but want to save on healthcare costs, consider looking at plans with smaller networks, such as HMO. As long as you confirm that your current doctor is within the network you choose, your access to care will not be affected.
If you rarely visit a doctor, you might consider switching to a bronze plan, which can help cover medical expenses in case of emergencies or unexpected surgeries that may incur significant costs.