I AM UNINSURED

Nationwide, nearly 46 million are uninsured.  Health reform expands coverage to 31+ million people, thus achieving a 95% coverage rate for the country.

March 2010

• Increased funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years.  Community Health Centers charge a sliding fee scale based on income, thus making care more affordable for you

June 2010

• An interim high-risk pool will provide immediate access to insurance for Marylanders who for at least 6 months have not been able to get coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

September 2010

• Adult children will be able to stay on parents insurance until age 26 unless they have access to employer sponsored coverage
• Children can now get insurance even with pre-existing conditions
• New standards for non-profit hospitals to protect uninsured patients
  • Written financial assistance policies clearly stating eligibility guidelines & how to apply
  • Protections from being overcharged
  • Prohibits extraordinary collection actions against patients

2014

• Adults can now obtain insurance even with their pre-existing conditions
• Individuals buy insurance through a new online, state-based marketplace called an exchange.
• Your family may receive subsidies to help buy coverage from your state’s health insurance exchange.  Based on your income, there will be a cap to the amount you will be charged for premiums and your out-of-pocket expenses will also be capped.
• Medicaid will expand to families making up to 133 percent of the poverty level
• If you still cannot afford to buy insurance, you could apply for a hardship waiver and subsidies will be provided to families with incomes of up to 400 percent of the poverty level
• If you can afford coverage and choose not to buy it, you will be fined an amount that escalates each year, up to a maximum of $2,085 or 2.5% of household income 2016.

2019

• Expansion of Medicaid to all low income adults and families under age 65 earning up to 133% of the federal poverty level