USA TODAY: …
Step one: Figure out if you’re eligible to buy a plan on your state’s exchange. Start at HealthCare.gov, the federal government’s portal, which will route you to your state or allow you to create an account if the feds are running your state’s insurance marketplace. Plug in details about where you live, what you earn and family size. If your income is below 400% of the federal poverty limit — which is about $46,000 for an individual and $94,00 for a family of four — you’ll be able to shop for a policy…
Step two: Determine if you are eligible for financial help, which can come in the form of subsidies to offset the cost of premiums, co-payments or deductibles…
Step three: Calculate what you’ve been spending for your uninsured health care, including prescription drugs, doctor’s visits and any emergency room or other hospital visits. Are there health concerns you’ve avoided addressing that are likely to get worse, like that sore knee or breathing condition? Medicines you should be taking but aren’t? Are there young athletes in the house? … (more)
