Insurance | Athens Java Hut

As you may know, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is launching a Health Insurance Marketplace on October 1 to help simplify the open enrollment process and demystify the different health insurance plans and rates available to Americans who don’t receive health benefits through their employers. But what can you do to learn more about your options until then? Dial into the newly available call centers or log onto the new website from the Department of Health And Human Services (HHS).

Yesterday, the Obama administration launched a new education effort around the Health Insurance Marketplace by opening new call centers and re-launching its website, www.HealthCare.gov to provide more information to consumers.

“The new website and toll-free number have a simple mission: To make sure every American who needs health coverage has the information they need to make choices that are right for themselves and their families—or their businesses,” HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a press release.

Consumers can reach the call centers 24/7 at the toll-free number (800) 318-2596. The call centers, which HHS will eventually staff with as many as 9,000 workers, can answer questions about coverage, premiums, plans, and enrollment. Those with hearing impairments can call (855)-889-4325 for assistance.

Like the call centers, the website provides detailed information on the Affordable Care Act itself, coverage eligibility, how to get lower cost on coverage, plans for small businesses, and more.

The site features a countdown to the Oct. 1 start of open enrollment, as well as to the Jan. 1 coverage start date and the Mar. 31 enrollment end date. Additional features include informational videos, a health insurance blog, live chat capability, social media integration, and an email update alert system.

“In October, HealthCare.gov will be the online destination for consumers to compare and enroll in affordable, qualified health plans,” says Marilyn Tavenner, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. When that date hits, you’ll be able to view specific plan and pricing options, create accounts, and fill out enrollment applications online. But by checking out the site and calling in for information before the big day, you’ll be ready to register and find the coverage that fits you best right from the get-go.

photo: HealthCare.gov

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You don’t always have too many options when it comes to health insurance costs, but pretty soon you may be able to lower your rates just by being healthy. Last week, the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and the Treasury issued final rules on employment-based wellness programs, which allow companies to lower health insurance premiums for employees who participate in them. This final rule (which provides guidance on an existing section of the Affordable Care Act) will go into effect for insurance plans beginning on or after January 1, 2014.

The Affordable Care Act created these incentives to promote healthier workplaces, and these final rules give companies more flexibility to offer their employees rewards for staying fit. In the past, companies could reduce premiums up to 20 percent when employees took part in “participatory wellness programs,” which were available to anyone regardless of their health (like completing a health risk assessment or attending a health education seminar).

But these new guidelines bumped up the maximum discount to 30 percent and gave new standards for “health-contingent wellness programs,” which are programs designed to reward employees for meeting certain health standards (like quitting smoking, lowering cholesterol or BMI, or taking actions toward certain health goals). As an added bonus, the maximum reward is raised to 50 percent for participating in programs that prevent or decrease tobacco use.

One important thing to note: Employers will be able to give either rewards or penalties to employees based on their participation. So essentially, if you’re a smoker who chooses not to use a smoking cessation program, your company could charge you more for your healthcare premiums than your tobacco-less coworkers.

So does this mean everyone can expect lower costs if they’re healthy? Not necessarily. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the rule only applies to companies that offer participatory or health-contingent wellness programs, so check with your human resources department to find out what’s available to you. And unfortunately, just because the ACA has raised the maximum allowed discount, that doesn’t mean your employer will automatically reduce your rates by 30 percent. Regardless, it’s a great way to save a little cash while staying fit if your company does offer the option. A healthier you and some extra money in your wallet? That’s a win-win!

photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

javahut healthy feed

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