Getting your subsidy starts with a free rate quote.  When you generate your rate quote, you can estimate your subsidy and how it affects your premium.  To apply you simply press Get Started, in your quote, to begin your application.  Once you register, there will be a link you click on that will take you to the Marketplace to complete your subsidy and get the actual amount you qualify for.  You can enroll in your plan through the Marketplace and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina will send you a bill once healthcare.gov uploads your file to BCBSNC.

In addition to advance premium tax credits, the government also provides cost-sharing reductions (CSR) for those who qualify. Cost Sharing Reductions allows you to pay for a standard silver plan, but get richer benefits.  To be eligible for Cost Sharing Reductions your income must be between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL).  CSR is only available on silver plans. These special CSR plans provide enhanced benefits that can mean your “silver” plan has the benefits of a plan with a higher metallic value.

Once at the Marketplace, you will need your Social Security number, employer and income information to register and complete your subsidy application.  You can apply online or you can call and complete your application by phone.   Then you will be automatically transferred back to BCBSNC to see your final subsidy and premium. Choose and buy your plan.  You can call our office 888-765-5400 to go over the plans, process and confirm deadline dates to enroll.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). It would be our pleasure to help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of Obama care. Call us for details.

WHEN APPLYING OR GETTING A QUOTE FOR YOUR BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA COVERAGE, SEE THE CHART BELOW TO HELP DETERMINE YOUR STATUS

Household Size – Annual household income

100% FPL                 250% FPL             400% FPL

1                                          $11,490                     $28,725                  $45,960

2                                          $15,510                     $38,775                  $62,040

3                                          $19,530                     $48,825                  $78,120

4                                          $23,550                     $58,875                  $94,200

5                                          $27,570                     $68,925                  $110,280

6                                          $31,590                     $78,975                  $126,360

7                                          $35,610                     $89,025                  $142,440

8                                          $39,630                     $99,075                  $158,520

ADD 4 EACH                 + $4,020                    + $10,050             + $16,080

ADDITIONAL PERSON

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). Call us for details.

As you begin to prepare for 2014, you will need to be familiar with the following terminology…

Affordable Care Act (ACA)– The law intended to address issues with our health care system by increasing access to health insurance, introducing reform and improving quality  also referred to as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

Health Insurance Marketplace– An online insurance marketplace where individuals can compare, shop for and buy qualified health insurance plans.  Also known as an “Exchange”.

Federal Poverty Level (FPL)– A measure of income level (by family size) that determines eligibility for premium tax credits.  For example, a family of four that makes less than $94,200 a year may be eligible for help.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.

The information in this article was taken from “Health Care Reform is Coming” from BCBSNC on April 2013.