Depending on your income level and other factors, you may qualify for Medicaid, Medicare, or help with costs through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
If you're eligible for Medicaid, you get free or low-cost care and do not need to buy a Marketplace plan. Starting October 1, you can fill out an application for the Health Insurance Marketplace. When you finish this application, the Marketplace will tell you which programs you or your family members qualify for. If it looks like anyone is eligible for Medicaid, the Marketplace will let the Medicaid agency know so your coverage can start in 2014.
If you buy coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may be eligible for cost savings based on your family size and how much your family earns. The lower your income, the higher your savings may be. If you are eligible, you will receive a cost savings that can be applied directly to your monthly premiums. You may also be eligible for lower copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
Each year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issues guidelines to determine financial eligibility for certain federal programs and benefits. In health care reform, for example, some level of help is available for qualifying individuals and families who fall within the following income ranges by family sizes:
| Family Size | Earnings From: | Earnings To: |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11,490 | $45,960 |
| 2 | $15,510 | $62,040 |
| 3 | $19,530 | $78,120 |
| 4 | $23,550 | $94,200 |
| 5 | $27,570 | $110,280 |
| 6 | $31,590 | $126,360 |
