9 Things You Need to Know About Obamacare and Your Health Insurance, Gif-splained By Cats

The Affordable Care Cat is back for Novempuurrrr. It’s time for Obamacare enrollment!

What? Obamacare? Isn’t this last year’s news?

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Last year the open enrollment under the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) went into effect. Under the law, almost all Americans must have health insurance or face a fine. Every year, people can sign up for health insurance during a specific time period (called an enrollment period). This year, you can sign up for health insurance from November 15, 2014 - February 15, 2015.

Do I really have to have health insurance?

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Yep, it’s the law. Most people who don’t get insurance will have to pay a fine, but millions of Americans will get help paying for a plan. But seriously, having health insurance saves you more cash in the long term. In fact, your coverage comes with a whole host of benefits — like no-copay birth control, STD testing, and breast and cervical cancer screenings.

How the heck do I afford insurance?

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What’s great about Obamacare is that most people can get financial help to buy a plan. You might also be eligible for low-cost or free health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The type of coverage you qualify for and the amount of financial help you can get depends on a bunch of factors, like your yearly income and the size of your family. Check out our cost calculator to find out how much financial help you can get.

I signed up for health insurance last year. Do I have to do anything during this enrollment period?

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If you signed up for a plan on the Marketplace last year, your coverage will probably be automatically renewed. But you should log on to your Marketplace account, update your info, and confirm you want to stay in your plan or select a new plan. You may be able to get more financial help, or find a plan that’s cheaper or better than your current plan. Learn more about renewing your plan.

If you’re covered under Medicaid, you have to renew your coverage every year. You’ll likely receive information from your Medicaid program about how to renew your coverage.

I want to change my plan. How do I do that?

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You can totally change your plan, even if you got a notice that said your plan would be automatically renewed. First, log on to your Marketplace account and update your information. Then, search for a new plan that fits your needs.

My state expanded Medicaid. Does that affect me?

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That’s awesome! Since your state expanded its program, you might be eligible for Medicaid! Medicaid is a free or low-cost public health insurance program that’s available for low-income individuals. Whether or not your state expanded, you can actually apply for Medicaid or the CHIP at any time during the year. You can find out if you’re eligible by visiting the health insurance marketplace. Start here.

I turned 26/got married/had a baby/lost my job/moved/got divorced. Do I need to get or change my coverage?

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Yup. Remember: just about everyone needs to have insurance, or face a fine. It’s important that you update your information in your Marketplace account so that you’re getting the amount of financial help you deserve.

Also, if you lose your health insurance coverage or need to make a change in your plan because of a special circumstance like getting married or having a baby, you can do that at any time during the year. Get more info.

Ugh, I’m so lost. Help?!

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It’s okay — insurance can be super confusing. That’s why you can get help with signing up and picking a plan, no matter where you are in the USA. There’s help available online, on the phone, and in-person to help you find a plan that meets your needs and your budget. Just enter your zip code here to find assistance.

Can I still go to Planned Parenthood?

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You betcha! You can still come to us for the care you need, when you need it — with or without insurance. That’s not changing. We’ll be here for you no matter what.

#ReadySetEnroll