This week marks the kick-off of the health care exchanges under the Affordable Care Act, and many Wisconsinites are looking for individual coverage are searching for coverage plans.
Bobby Peterson, founder and executive director of ABC for Health Inc., said there have been some opening-week problems for the new health care exchange website as it was flooded with people checking out health care options -- and with reporters seeing how it worked. He said the initial problems shouldn't deter people from seeking coverage. His advice?
"Take your time," he said. "It's not something you have to jump on right now."
He said that people need to meet the Dec. 15 application to avoid delays in coverage.
Peterson said people with health problems should also get reviewed for disability coverage. He said this might be especially important for people currently in Wisconsin's high-risk insurance pool. He also suggests parent make an effort to stay in the same plan as parents if at all possible.
Dan Schwartzer, the state deputy insurance commissioner, said uninsured people should start with a visit to healthcare.gov to check out rates and find out if they qualify for subsidies. He said they shouldn’t stop there because many providers haven’t listed all of their coverage products on the federal website.
“Even if you qualify for one of the subsidies, we then recommend you pick up the phone, contact a local agent or broker, have them shop the other carriers that aren’t displayed on the exchange and then find out what the best plan is for you,“ Schwartzer said.
He added that it’s possible to find a better plan on the outside market, even if the individual qualifies for a subsidy.
