Today is the last day to sign-up for the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare).  No matter what state you live in, you can access plans in your area at www.healthcare.gov.  If you'd feel better talking to a person or you don't have a computer call 1-800-318-2596. 

Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images
loading...

Lets separate the fact from fiction.

Knowledge is power.  Do you agree?  Some people are banking on the fact that they have confused you enough or scared you enough, NOT to sign-up for the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare.)  Did it work?

Ask yourself a question....Do those same people telling me NOT to sign-up for the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare), have health insurance themselves?  I can promise you they do.  As a matter of fact, many of them HAVE THE SAME HEALTH COVERAGE, THEY'RE TELLING YOU, NOT TO SIGN-UP FOR!!!!

That's right.  Members of Congress are either covered by the Federal Employees' Retirement System(FERS) or the Civil Service Retirement System(CSRS). Congressmen and women actually receive retirement and health benefits under the same plans available to other federal employees.  That said, starting this year the ONLY health care coverage available to members of Congress and their employees by the federal government, will be through the Health Insurance Exchange created by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act aka "ObamaCare Act."

Some people are so confused, they don't even realize the Affordable Care Act and ObamaCare, are the SAME THING.  Jimmy Kimmel proved that, with this live experiment.

As you just seen, these people have no idea what they are talking about.  This is because they are basing their decision on what they heard and NOT what they know.  The following is the truth, and facts of what you need to know about the Affordable Care Act.

Who is eligible for the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare)?

To be eligible for health coverage, you must be a legal American citizen, live in the United States and not in prison.  Most people are eligible for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, or state exchanges.  You may also be eligible for premium tax credits or financial assistance.

If your income is below the federal poverty level, your co-pays and other out-of-pocket expenses might lower than most and you may also be eligible for an Expanded Medicaid program. (See those federal poverty levels and examples of tax credits here).

What information do I need to sign-up?

First and foremost, gather any other important info you think can affect your health insurance premium or coverage options.  Next have the following information and documents readily available:

• Last year’s tax information for you and your family.

• Projected incomes for this year.

• Medical history.

• Social Security Numbers (or document numbers for legal immigrants).

• Employer and income info for every member of your household who needs coverage.

• Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household.

Finally, you may need to complete the Employer Coverage Tool form.  Whether you enrolled or not, fill this form out and list every healthcare plan you or someone in your household is eligible for at their present job. Get the form here.

For even more details such as, the difference between the plans offered in the Marketplace or how the Affordable Care Act works with Medicare click here.

When is the next open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act?

The Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) open enrollment ends today, March 31, 2014.  If you miss the open enrollment period for this year, you will not be able to sign up again until November 15th, 2014 (the starting date of open enrollment 2015).

Be informed.  Make an educated decision.  Know what you're saying NO or YES to.  Don't let people play politics with your life and well being.

More From 107 JAMZ