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Health Insurance Blog - Healthcare.gov
Preventive services you don’t want to skip
Put your health first – get free preventive services. Screenings, check-ups, counseling, and keeping a healthy lifestyle can help you avoid more serious illnesses. You and your doctor can decide which services are right for you. Remember that services are free only when delivered by a doctor or other provider in your plan’s network.
What are some common preventive services?Common preventive services include: - Blood pressure screenings
- Cholesterol screenings (for certain people at higher risk)
- Depression screenings
- Vaccines
Get more information on preventive services available to you and your family. How can I find a provider in my network?There are a few ways to find in-network providers: - Check your plan's provider directory by contacting the plan or visiting the plan's website.
- Call your insurer to ask about specific providers.
- Call your doctor's office.
Learn more about getting the most out of your coverage.
POSTED APRIL 18, 2024 |
The time to file taxes is almost over. Here’s what to know
The last day to file your 2023 federal income taxes is April 15, 2024. If anyone in your household had Marketplace coverage in 2023, you’ll use Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace® Statement to file. (If you didn’t get Form 1095-A in your Marketplace account or by mail, or if the information on it is wrong, contact the Marketplace Call Center.)
How to “reconcile” your tax creditIf you (or anyone in your household) qualified for or used the premium tax credit to lower your Marketplace plan premium at any point in 2023: - You’ll use your Form 1095-A to fill out IRS Form 8962, Premium Tax Credit (PDF, 110 KB) to reconcile your 2023 premium tax credit when you file your taxes.
- Any difference between the amount of premium tax credit you used last year and the premium tax credit you actually qualify for based on your final income will affect your refund or taxes you owe.
- Report any differences on your taxes and include Form 8962 when you file.
- Get step-by-step directions on how to reconcile.
POSTED APRIL 04, 2024 |
Find out if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period
You may be able to enroll in or change your Marketplace plan outside of Open Enrollment. Life events or changes may open a Special Enrollment Period for you.
What kinds of life events?- Changes in household, like getting married or having a baby
- Changes in residence, like moving or going away to school
- Loss of health insurance, like job-based or individual coverage
Get a full list of qualifying life events. I experienced a life event. What do I do next?Report your change to the Marketplace by updating your application. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Not sure if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period? Answer a few questions and find out your options. We'll also tell you if you may qualify for free or low-cost health coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
POSTED MARCH 21, 2024 |
File your taxes using Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement®
The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2024. If anyone in your household had a Marketplace plan in 2023, use Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace®, to file your federal taxes. You’ll get this form from the Marketplace, not the IRS.
It’s important to review your Form 1095-A and reconcile your premium tax credit because it could impact your refund or the amount of taxes you owe. Check your online account for Form 1095-AIf you didn’t get your Form 1095-A in the mail, or you can’t find it, check your Markteplace account. - Under "Your Existing Applications," select your 2023 application.
- Select “Tax Forms” from the menu on the left.
- Download all 1095-A forms shown on the screen.
Check your Form 1095-A to make sure your information is correct. If you can’t find your form or think there’s a mistake, contact the Marketplace Call Center. “Reconcile” using Form 1095-AIf you (or anyone in your household) qualified for or used the premium tax credit to lower your Marketplace plan premium:
POSTED MARCH 07, 2024 |
Health insurance and your taxes
If you had Marketplace coverage at any point in 2023 and got the premium tax credit, here’s what you need to know about filing your federal taxes.
Keep your Form 1095-A in a safe place This form has important information about the Marketplace plans your household had in 2023. Check that your Form 1095-A is correct - Make sure your household and coverage information, the "second lowest cost Silver Plan" amount, and the monthly premium are correct.
- If you find a mistake, contact the Marketplace Call Center.
"Reconcile" with your Form 1095-A If you qualified for or used the premium tax credit to lower your Marketplace plan premium: - Use the information from your Form 1095-A to complete Part II of Form 8962 (PDF, 110 KB).
- If there’s a difference between the amount of the premium tax credit you used during the year and the amount you actually qualify for, it will impact your refund or the amount of taxes you owe.
- You’ll include Form 8962 with your federal tax return. Get details on how to reconcile.
POSTED FEBRUARY 22, 2024 |
Now that you’re covered, know how to use your insurance!
Get the most out of your Marketplace coverage with answers to some common questions, like how to use your coverage and what’s covered.
How do I use my coverage? • Get more information about using your coverage, like getting regular and emergency care and how to improve your health. • Learn how to put your health first (PDF, 1820 KB). You’ll find tips on how to find providers and prepare for appointments. What’s covered? All Marketplace plans cover: • 10 essential health benefits, including prescription drugs, emergency services, hospitalization, laboratory services, and mental health and substance use disorder services. • Free preventive health services at no cost to you when delivered by a doctor or provider in your plan's network. • Treatment for pre-existing conditions. • Some prescription drugs. Your plan’s list of covered drugs is called a “formulary.” Find your plan’s formulary by calling Member Services, or review your Summary of Benefits and Coverage. How do I find a doctor? You’ll usually get the best cost for services when you use “in-network” providers. You may be able to use providers who aren’t in your plan’s network, but you may pay more. Learn how to find a doctor in your plan's network.
POSTED FEBRUARY 09, 2024 |
It's tax season! Check your mail for Form 1095-A
Did someone in your household have a Marketplace plan in 2023? When you file your taxes, you’ll need Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace® Statement. This form comes from the Marketplace, not the IRS.
1. Find your form It'll be in your mailbox by early February, or in your Marketplace account now. Get step-by-step instructions to find your Form 1095-A online. 2. Check your formIs it correct? It should include information about any Marketplace plans that members of your household had last year. 3. Use your form If it’s accurate, use the information on your 1095-A form to "reconcile"any premium tax credit you or your household qualified for or used. To reconcile, you compare two amounts: the premium tax credit you used in advance during the year; and the amount of tax credit you qualify for based on your final income. Find a problem or mistake? Contact the Marketplace Call Center to get a corrected form. Don't file your federal taxes until you get a corrected version.
POSTED JANUARY 25, 2024 |
Explore your health care options after Open Enrollment
Marketplace Open Enrollment for health coverage in 2024 ended January 15. If you missed the Open Enrollment window, you might still have options for health coverage for the rest of the year.
Your health coverage options You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to get coverage or change plans if: - Your income falls within a certain range
- You had a qualifying life event, like losing health coverage, getting married, having or adopting a baby, or moving
If eligible, you can enroll in Marketplace coverage for the rest of the year outside the annual Open Enrollment Period.
POSTED JANUARY 17, 2024 |
Going once, going twice...Open Enrollment ends soon!
The clock is ticking for you to get health coverage for 2024. Open Enrollment for Marketplace health plans ends January 16. Coverage starts February 1.
Act now: Enroll in health coverage that meets your budget & needs- New to HealthCare.gov? Create an account to fill out an application for the first time.
- Already have an account? Log in to update your application, compare plans, and change or renew for 2024. Even if you were automatically re-enrolled, it's important to:
- Update any income and household changes. Otherwise, your savings might not be correct.
- Compare plans. There may be new plans and prices that better meet your needs and budget.
Questions? Help is availableGet help applying for Marketplace health insurance.
POSTED JANUARY 11, 2024 |
Don’t miss out – get coverage for this year!
Time is running out – your window to apply for, renew, or change your Marketplace plan for 2024 coverage ends on January 15.
Not sure where to start? If you’re new to HealthCare.gov, create an account and check out some helpful tips about the Marketplace. Already have a plan? Whether you want to keep your current plan or are looking for a new one, it’s important to log in and update any income or household changes so you get the right savings. You may also discover new plans that better fit your needs. Don’t miss out – make sure you’re covered today.
POSTED JANUARY 05, 2024 |
Insurance Archives - KFF Health News
Whatever Happened to Biden’s Public Option? In the 2020 elections, then-candidate Joe Biden and many of his congressional colleagues loudly advocated for a federal “public option” health insurance plan. It was framed, at the time, as part of his incoming administration’s response to the pandemic. “Low-income Americans will be automatically enrolled in the public option at zero cost to them, though […]
POSTED APRIL 26, 2024 2:05 PM |
Millions Were Booted From Medicaid. The Insurers That Run It Gained Medicaid Revenue Anyway. Big health insurers that have contracts with state Medicaid programs find themselves making more money even as enrollment in Medicaid programs has dropped. Here’s why.
POSTED APRIL 26, 2024 1:55 PM |
Biden’s Election-Year Play to Further Expand Obamacare The Biden administration wants to make it easier for Americans to get dental care. But don’t try booking an appointment just yet. A new regulation out this month allows states to include adult dental care as a benefit that health insurers must cover under the Affordable Care Act. Following record ACA enrollment this year, the proposal represents an […]
POSTED APRIL 25, 2024 1:25 PM |
Medicare Stumbles Managing a Costly Problem — Chronic Illness Nearly a decade ago, Medicare launched a program to help the two-thirds of beneficiaries with chronic conditions by paying their doctors an additional monthly fee to coordinate their care. The strategy has largely failed to live up to its potential; only about 4 percent of potentially eligible beneficiaries in the traditional Medicare program are enrolled, […]
POSTED APRIL 24, 2024 2:54 PM |
Unsheltered People Are Losing Medicaid in Redetermination Mix-Ups Some of the nearly 130,000 Montanans who have lost Medicaid coverage as the state reevaluates eligibility are homeless. That’s in part because Montana kicked more than 80,000 people off the program for technical reasons rather than income ineligibility. For unhoused people who were disenrolled, getting back on Medicaid can be extraordinarily difficult.
POSTED APRIL 23, 2024 9:00 AM |
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