The new year is coming, and with it a chance for many people to figure out whether they want to have health insurance for the coming year.
Bayfront Health Dade City, however, feels the decision to pick up health insurance is an easy yes — even for people who are generally quite healthy, because no one knows when they might be faced with an accident and need medical care.
And without that insurance, that person or his or her family may not be able to afford medical care when they need it most.
Also, those with health insurance are more likely to see their doctor before their condition worsens and becomes more expensive to treat. Those with diabetes and do not have health insurance have a higher mortality rate those than with diabetes and health insurance at the same time.
If someone doesn’t have health insurance and experiences a serious illness or medical emergency, he will be responsible for all his medical costs, the hospital said. Health insurance protects people and their families from financial hardships that may result from health care expenses.
Also, some colleges, universities and international programs require proof of health insurance to enroll.
One of the biggest changes to health insurance in recent years thanks to the Affordable Care Act is where someone cannot be denied because of pre-existing conditions, such as having diabetes or a previous cancer diagnosis. At the same time, all insurance plans on the marketplace must cover essential health benefits, including emergency services, hospitalization, outpatient care, pregnancy and maternity, mental health and substance abuse, and prescription drugs, among others.
Marketplace health plans also must cover a set of preventive services, like screenings, tests and vaccinations to keep adults and children healthy. Those preventive services are provided free of charge, meaning no copays or deductibles.
Many people may qualify for lower costs on a health plan, the hospital said. Depending on household income and family size, people could qualify for financial assistance from the government, or subsidies, toward the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like copays and deductibles.
Also, some people may qualify for lost-cost coverage through Medicaid. In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, as well as pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Although Florida has chosen not to expand Medicaid, there are still many people who qualify for Medicaid coverage in the state, the Dade City hospital said.
If nothing else, those without health coverage in 2015 who can afford it may have to pay a penalty of $325 per adult, $162.50 per child, and up to $975 per family — or 2 percent of family income, whichever is higher.
For example, a family of four with a household income of $40,500, would have a penalty of $975, since 2 percent of income would be $810. However, a family of four with a household income of $65,000 would have to pay the 2 percent, which in this case would be $1,300.
Bayfront Health Dade City is offering help through the 2015 enrollment deadline of Feb. 15, at (352) 518-1055.
