In a 6-3 decision the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that federal premium assistance tax credit (“subsidies”) will continue to be available for qualified individuals who purchase health insurance at a Federal Marketplace (health care exchange). Their ruling means that consumers will continue to receive quality affordable health care coverage no matter where they live. This is confirmation that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) is here to stay, coming as welcome news for many relative low income earners who were depending on the subsidies to buy health care insurance. Californians who are with Covered California (a well working state health exchange) see the ruling as a confirmation.
However, even despite the ruling, nothing has changed in the health insurance world. No action is required by individual policyholders in order to continue their health coverage and subsidies.
You can watch the president’s address here and read the Supreme Court’s ruling here.
The CMS has posted additional information about what the Supreme Court decision means for consumers at HealthCare.gov/Decision. This information is also included below – feel free to share.
“What Does the Supreme Court Decision Mean for Me?
I purchased health insurance from Covered California or the Health Insurance Marketplace or HealthCare.gov.
Great news! Your affordable quality coverage has not changed. The Supreme Court has confirmed that if you qualify, you can still get financial help to lower the costs of your health care no matter where you live. This means that consumers in every state will continue to be eligible for premium tax credits, lowering the average consumer’s costs by $272 each month.
So, nothing has changed for you. You can still use your health insurance as long as you continue to pay your bills.
As a reminder, tell your agent or Covered California or the Marketplace about any changes to your household, income, and insurance status to get the most accurate tax credit.
I have health insurance through my employer or purchased it on the individual market.
While the Supreme Court case did not directly impact you, you are probably already benefiting from increased financial and health security because of the health care law. These provisions include: banning discriminatory practices such as denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions and dropping people from coverage when they get sick; guaranteeing access to insurance when you change jobs , lose a job, or strike out on your own; providing better benefits like guaranteed access to free preventive care; preventing medical bankruptcy by banning annual caps on coverage of essential benefits and requiring new annual limits on out-of-pocket costs; improvements in the care you receive through incentives that promote quality of care and time spent between patients and doctors; and allowing young adults to stay on their family’s plan.
I don’t have health insurance.
Visit Solid Health Insurance Services or email info@solidhealthinsurance.com to see if you can still get coverage for 2015. You may qualify for a special enrollment period due to a life change like marriage, having a baby, or losing other coverage.
The Supreme Court has confirmed that if you qualify, you can receive financial assistance, including a premium tax credit, to make coverage more affordable no matter where you live. On average, consumers enrolled in the Marketplace are receiving $3,260 per year in tax credits, or $272 each month. About 8 in 10 consumers could find coverage for $100 or less with tax credits through the Marketplace.
The Open Enrollment period for 2015 is over. Open Enrollment for 2016 starts on November 1, 2015 and ends January 31st 2016. Sign up at info@solidhealthinsurance.com to be reminded about the start of Open Enrollment, to buy affordable health insurance in California.