2016 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines for Subsidies

How to figure out your subsidy for Health Insurance

We go over this with clients individually and also have a pretty great website with tools to allow consumers to figure it out. However, we still get questions about fines, coverages and what if’s. That is why we are here and took the time to become certified brokers for all 3 health insurance exchanges in the area.

First of all Maryland Health Connection is for Maryland residents only. Also only if you are eligible for subsidies as you are still allowed to shop off exchange for the same plans. DC Health Link is for all D.C. residents to use for obtaining health coverage if not covered under an employer sponsored plan. The Marketplace for Health Insurance which is the Federal exchange is for Virginia residents also eligible for subsidies as well as the other 35 states that have elected to be a part of the Federal exchange. Virginia residents also can shop off exchange for plans as well.

So where does that leave us. Oh, yes getting back to the subsidies. Officially they are called advanced premium tax credits. When you estimate your income for the coming year, they are basing your subsidy on that estimate as well as your previous years taxable income. That is not what you earn, but the number that you actually pay taxes on. Use the FPL income guidelines chart to see where your level is. It is based on who is actually on the tax return which translates into household members. Now use the subsidy calculator and input your income and family members. The calculator will give you several numbers as FPL level but you need to use the monthly premium cap number in your calculations. Write it down.

Now choose your carrier and choose carefully. You are purchasing a plan that not only offers benefits but liability levels as well. Be sure to read the plan details and contact a broker if you have questions. When you enter in your home zip code and date of birth into a quote engine, it will generate all the plans that are available to you in your region. Pay special attention to the second best silver plan, which is the ACA benchmark that all subsidies are based on. Once you have the monthly premium amount for the second best silver plan, subtract the monthly premium cap amount from the calculator and that is your subsidy.

The most common misconception about subsidies is that it has to be used for a silver plan. That is not true. Take your subsidy amount and subtract that from any level plan and that would be your monthly cost. Remember that consumers can report income changes during the year to the exchanges that can increase or decrease your subsidy amount which then reflects your out of pocket monthly premium. If your income goes up you could have a reduction in subsidy or have it totally removed. If your income goes down, report the shortage of income and your subsidy will be increased. If you were overcompensated or under compensated during the year, it will reconcile at tax time with either a credit or a charge.

We hope this post is helpful in your quest to determine your subsidies and as always, we are here to help and be truthful.

Jack Fleming – Insurance Broker

About our Insurance Agency

We put together a quick video telling the world a little bit about why we started, what we do and why we do it. Enjoy and share with your friends. Thanks

Health Insurance Options

Comrade Financial Group put together this brief video going over changes for Health Insurance under the Affordable Care Act for residents in Maryland, DC and Virginia.

Open Enrollment Confusion

Most people are unaware that yes Obamacare or Affordable Care Act open enrollment starts on October 1st with effective dates of Jan 1, 2012. That is for individuals and family plans. The Small Business open enrollment will start Jan 1,2014 with effective date of Mar 31, 2012. The majority of the people still don’t have a clue about their current plans and if they will continue through that start of ACA implementation. If your current plan was in place prior to Mar 1, 2010 your plan could be grandfathered but please check to see if the benefit level is increasing to match the new required Essential Health Benefits. If not, then your plan is on the old system of doing things. Please check with a knowledgable broker on the subject if you are unclear.

 

The Co Insurance Question?

Co Insurance

Dentist

 

Every day I speak to people about their Health Insurance. They rarely know what their Deductible is, and almost always they do not have a clue what their Co Insurance is. This is a major problem because having the wrong Co Insurance could make you liable for a whole lot of charges. Comrade Financial Group will always recommend a 0% Co Insurance for all plans we offer Individuals and Families.

What is Co Insurance?

 

Your Co Insurance is above and beyond what you would pay after your deductible is met. So you tell me that you have a $1500.00 deductible! That is great, but your co insurance is 20%. So lets just say that you incur medical bills in the amount of $15K. You would pay your deductible of $1500, then 20% of the remaining $13,500. Some carriers don’t have Co insurance lower than 40%!

Make sure that your Health Insurance plan has a 0% Co Insurance!

Jack Fleming – Insurance Broker

All about Disability Insurance!

All about Disability Insurance 

Individual Disability Insurance is a great idea.  It is Insurance designed to replace anywhere from 40-60% of your gross income on a tax-free basis should you become Sick or Ill and keeps you from earning an income. All policies are different and it is very detailed so you can’t really shop online for it. You have to contact an Insurance Broker to find out exactly what you need and expect from the policy. If you work in an office, your premiums will most likely be lower than an Iron worker and vise versa. There is Own Occupation which is the most comprehensive you can get. There are other policies like Income Replacement and Gainful Occupation that pay less but that is the best reason to call someone and discuss your options. No one expects to become Disabled, but it happens and there is Insurance for it. You can also use riders to Life Insurance policies and Annuity contracts that can accomplish the same coverage.

Jack Fleming – Ins. Broker