Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Obamacare | Signed. Sealed. Delivering


[Here's a letter about Obamacare from my health insurance provider. I've pulled  the identity of the carrier so as not to trip anyone up; other than that, the letter is as I received it — and reflects the positive trend toward affordable, quality health care for Americans.]
Dear James
,

As 2014 and the implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) approaches, we know you have many important decisions to make about your health care coverage. As your partner in health, we're making it easy for you to get the great care you expect from [us].

New ways to get health care in 2014 
In late September, we will be sending you information about your new 2014 [health] plan, as well as information about all [our] other 2014 plans. Some of these plans are available through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Covered California. Also, you may qualify for financial assistance from the federal government. Download information to help you determine whether or not you may be eligible.

We're making it easy for you to stay with [Us]
We want to make sure that you get the plan that best fits your needs. Here are your options:
Enrolling in your new ACA-compliant plan
We've made it easy for you to continue your coverage. We've matched you to a 2014 ACA-compliant plan that includes all the additional benefits provided by health care reform. Your enrollment into this plan is automatic. You don't need to do anything but pay the premium for your new plan on or before its due date.
Switching to another [of our] ACA-compliant plan
If you prefer to enroll in another one of our new 2014 plans, you can do so either directly with us or through the Health Insurance Marketplace during open enrollment which begins on October 1, 2013. Soon you'll receive more information about all our new 2014 plans and how to sign up.
Signing up for financial assistance if you qualify
If you determine that you are eligible for federal financial assistance (a subsidy), to receive this benefit you must purchase your new ACA-compliant plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Insurance Marketplace opens for enrollment on October 1, 2013. You'll receive more information on how to apply for financial assistance in your renewal packet.
Why [our coverage] is your best choice for good health 
No matter how you choose to purchase your 2014 coverage, [we] will continue to offer you superior access and care, including:
Your choice of doctors and specialists who you know and trust.
Convenient care and services at locations near you.
Easy access to appointments, advice, and information.
Mobile and online features to email your doctor's office, order prescription refills, view most lab results, and more.
A secure electronic health record that brings it all together.*
You don't need to do anything right now
In late September, you'll receive all the information you need to know about your [health] coverage and how to apply for financial assistance, if you qualify. If you would like to learn more about health care reform, visit [our website], call our Member Service Contact Center at 1-800-XXX-XXXX (or TTY for the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired at 711), weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except holidays), or contact your agent or broker.
Thank you for choosing us to be your partner in health.

[If you don't get a similarly upbeat letter from your health insurance provider — or if you don't have health coverage — keep an eye peeled for details in the next few weeks from the new state and federal Health Insurance Marketplaces active where you live. Very shortly, quality, affordable health coverage will be available for all of us (and not a minute too soon if you ask me.)]

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