10 Things to Know About Health Insurance Today

Oct. 1, 2013— -- intro: Starting today, you can shop for health coverage through national and state-administered insurance exchanges. Not sure what this means for you and your family? We have answers.

Here are 10 things you need to know about the insurance exchange program. If you have more questions, ask them in our comments section. And if you've already shopped, tell us what you think about the plans.

Source: HealthCare.gov

quicklist: 1category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What happens today?url: text: Starting today, you can purchase health coverage through the Affordable Care Act health insurance exchange program. The coverage kicks in Jan. 1, 2014.

Your coverage options depend on where you live. Some states have exchanges run by the federal government, whereas others have their own exchanges or ones created in conjunction with the Obama administration. Either way, you can go to HealthCare.gov to see your coverage options and how much they cost.

You have six months to make a choice. If by March 31 you have no health insurance, you'll face a fine of 1 percent of your yearly income or $95 per person -- whichever is higher. The fee increases every year, rising to 2.5 percent of your yearly income in 2016 or $695 per person. That's on top of any health care costs.

quicklist: 2category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What if I have health insurance through my employer?url: text: If you have health insurance through your employer, you can keep it.

Job-based plans qualify as "minimum essential coverage." In other words, you won't be fined if you're covered through your job. And because your employer pays a proportion of your premium, the coverage might be cheaper than the plans offered through the insurance exchange program.

You might still want to explore your options, but beware: Depending on the job-based coverage available to you, you might not qualify for certain savings offered through the health insurance exchange program. Check HealthCare.gov to find out.

quicklist: 3category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What if my employer isn't offering health insurance?url: text: You're responsible for having health insurance in 2014, whether your employer offers it or not. If your employer isn't offering health insurance, you can purchase coverage through the health insurance exchange program. You may qualify for lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs (people who have job-based coverage might not qualify for those cost-savings).

No employer is required to offer health insurance, but employers with more than 50 employees may be charged a fee if they fail to offer coverage that's affordable and meets a minimum standard. The fee, dubbed an Employer Shared Responsibility Payment, is up to $3,000 per employee.

quicklist: 4category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What if I'm already covered by private health insurance?url: text: If you have health insurance that you purchased directly from an insurance company, you don't need to buy a plan through the health insurance exchange program. But you might qualify for lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs through the exchange program, so it's worth a look.

Starting in 2014, all insurance plans must offer "essential health benefits" for emergency services, maternity, neonatal and pediatric care, outpatient and rehabilitation services, counseling and therapy, preventive and wellness services, and prescription drugs. This is true whether you buy the plan directly from an insurance company or through the health insurance exchange program.

quicklist: 5category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What if I'm retired?url: text: If you're over 65, you might be eligible for Medicare. And if you're covered through Medicare, you don't need to purchase a plan through the health insurance exchange program.

If you're under 65 but you have retiree health benefits, you're also considered covered. But you might qualify for lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs through the insurance exchange program, so it's worth a look.

If you're under 65 and you don't have retiree health benefits, you're responsible for buying insurance. If you don't have coverage in 2014, you'll face a fine. If you turn 65 in 2014 and you qualify for Medicare, you can cancel the plan you purchased.

quicklist: 6category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What if I'm a student?url: text: If you're under 26, you may qualify for coverage through your parents' plan. This is true even if you're married, living away from home or attending school.

If you turn 26 in 2014, you can enroll in a new health insurance plan even after open enrollment closes March 31.

If you're under 26 but not covered through you parents' plan, you can buy coverage through the health insurance exchange program starting Oct. 1. People under 30 can qualify for catastrophic coverage with a lower premium but a higher deductible.

quicklist: 7category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What if I'm on Medicaid?url: text: If you're covered through Medicaid, you don't need to purchase a plan through the health insurance exchange program. And under the new health care law, Medicaid eligibility is expanding in some states.

Visit your state's Medicaid website to find out whether you'll qualify in 2014. If you would qualify under the new income limits but your state has chosen not to expand Medicaid eligibility, you will not have to pay a fine for not purchasing health insurance.

quicklist: 8category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What if I have a pre-existing condition?url: text: Starting in 2014, you can't be denied health insurance or charged more because you have a pre-existing health condition, even if you've been refused coverage in the past.

The only exception is for grandfathered individual health insurance plans, according to HealthCare.gov. But you can purchase a new plan through the health insurance exchange program Oct. 1 and get coverage for your pre-existing conditions.

quicklist: 9category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: Can I get dental coverage?url: text: Dental care is considered an essential health benefit for children, but not for adults.

Adults can choose a plan that includes dental coverage, or opt into a separate dental plan and pay an additional premium.

quicklist: 10category: Health Insurance Exchange Questions Answeredtitle: What if I don't want health insurance for religious reasons?url: text: If you're a member of a recognized religious sect that has religious objections to health insurance, you will not have to pay a fine for not purchasing health insurance. You're also exempt from the fine if you participate in a health care sharing ministry.