Under Health Care Act, Millions Eligible for Free Policies
By REED ABELSON and KATIE THOMAS
Published: November 3, 2013
Half of the people eligible for zero-premium plans were under 39 and uninsured. a silver plan may be a much better option, experts said. Ninety percent of those who will have the option of buying the no-cost plans make less than 250 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $28,725 for an individual, and $58,875 for a family of four. People earning below those thresholds are eligible for the most generous assistance, but only if they choose a silver plan.
About a million of those who will qualify for free coverage will be able to buy a silver plan for no monthly cost.
estimates that the cost of silver plans for the people who qualify for a zero-premium bronze plan will range
from $40 to $50 a month.
All plans, including bronze policies, limit annual out-of-pocket costs to $6,350 for individuals and $12,700 for families. But insurers and advocates said out-of-pocket costs — even those under that limit — can be daunting to people with low incomes.
For Mark and Elisabeth Horst, both artists in Albuquerque, the risks of signing up for a bronze plan
were outweighed by the prospect of getting it free. The Horsts, who make $24,000 a year between them,
qualified for $612 in monthly subsidies, but the cost of a bronze plan was $581 a month.
A lighting designer from Manhattan, learned that federal subsidies would allow her to buy a bronze
plan for $24 a month.
A silver AFFORDABLE HEALTH ACT PLAN goes for $91 a month that includes dental and vision coverage. Ms. Smith, who is 30, said she opted for the more comprehensive plan because of her work, which requires her to climb ladders and use power tools.
"Tea party members"--- who tried to defund Affordable Health Care Act and continue to seek way to eliminate this health care plan--- masquerading as Republicans along with republicans scared of Tea Party members, don't like this because of people like Mark and Elisabeth Horst, designer from Manhattan, or Mrs Smith who is 30 years old and who climbs ladders and uses power tools! What happened to the G.W. Bush compassionate conservatives? The wealthy (Koch Brothers) will benefit but they don't like it when the middle and poor classes also benefit! Barack Obama has made it possible through Affordable Health Care Act legislation---for middle & poor classes to be able to have & afford health insurance (just like the rich and wealthy) ; i.e., something they could not do under the old health insurance plan wherein they passed laws making legal to charge females more---making legal for only insured children under family plan till 20 yrs old----and making legal not covering people with pre-existing conditions!
