Website Helps You Learn More About Affordable Care Act

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO/AP) — Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins October 1, 2013. Ahead of that date, the federal government has announced a website to help you better understand the law and your coverage. 

www.healthcare.gov, gives you answers to questions concerning the Healthcare Marketplace and your coverage, customized to your lifestyle. 

Right now, the website is more about informing users, prices and plans will not be available until October 1, 2013. 

The site directs you through questions specific to you and your lifestyle to help you better choose coverage. The site will also help you better understand the Healthcare Marketplace, where you will be able to shop around for insurance coverage. 

It is important to note, if you are already insured you do not need to do anything. Only those who are uninsured need to sign up for the Healthcare Marketplace and purchase coverage. Also, experts say just because you sign up for the Healthcare Marketplace does not mean you are insured. 

Also, we’re told, if you are insured and would like to shop around to see what coverage plans are offered you can do so through the Healthcare Marketplace. 

The Bronze, Silver and Gold packages will be available in South Carolina. Each plan comes with different coverage. 

South Carolinian’s will also reportedly have 26 plans to choose from.

This week, the United States Department of Health and Human Services announced that a 27 year old male, nonsmoker making $25,000 a year can get coverage for $223 per month, federal subsidies could cut that price to $145 per month. 

If you decide to opt in to the Healthcare Marketplace, you must do so by December 15, 2013. Health Insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act will take affect January 1, 2014.