Papa John

Once PPACA goes into full effect in January 2014, you can expect your health insurance to cover prescription drugs, hospitalization, pregnancy, newborn care and rehabilitation and mental health services. Currently, any new health plan cannot deny coverage of preexisting conditions or disabilities in children under age 19 . In 2014, all plans will h... ave to cover those conditions for a person of any age. What are the basics of PPACA? PPACA, commonly referred to as the Affordable Care Act, will go into effect officially on January 1, 2014. Here's an overview of what the bill requires: Almost all Americans must be insured in some form. Each person who is required to but doesn't purchase coverage will face a penalty , which is either 1 percent of your annual income, or $95 -- whichever amount is greater. (If you're not sure if you're required to purchase coverage, see the details of the exemptions .) Americans with an income of up to 400 percent of the poverty level who don't receive health benefits through their place of employment (or through Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP or military coverage) will qualify for government subsidie -- a break on premiums in the form of tax credits available. People with a household income below 138 percent of the poverty level (which is $23,550 for a family of four in 2013), will qualify for Medicaid. If you want to see how the ACA will affect you and your family's premiums in 2014, use this subsidy calculator from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Insurance companies will be required to cover all applicants and offer the same rates regardless of pre-existing conditions, age or gender. How much does health insurance cost? Insurance premium rates are set by the government, and if you're buying individual health insurance (not through an employer) your specific rate will be based on your age and zip code. Individual premium rates are determined by a process called underwriting, during which an underwriter will use information about the applicant, such as their medical history, age, weight, ...Read More