The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), commonly called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or “Obamacare”, is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010. Together with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, it represents the most significant regulatory overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Is Obamacare working ? Well we will let you be the judge of that. As of May 2014, approximately 20 million Americans had gained health insurance coverage under the ACA, and the percentage of uninsured Americans dropped from 18% in 2013 to 13.4% in May 2014.
The Health Insurance Marketplace makes it possible for consumers in all states to apply for affordable health coverage options.
Some states chose to set up a State-based Marketplace others operate in the Federally-facilitated Marketplace, or engage with it to operate a State Partnership Marketplace. Regardless of what state they live in, consumers can get in-person help when they apply for coverage in the Marketplace, including qualified health plans and eligibility for insurance affordability programs like premium tax credits, cost sharing reductions, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). I know confusing isn’t it?
So how does the Affordable Care Act work anyway? See video: Obamacare explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vju70I6qSKk
Assisting consumers into this sometimes bewildering world of marketplace insurance options and choices are people called “navigators.” As the name implies navigators help guide the people through the sometimes confusing application process.
As such navigators have a vital role in helping consumers prepare applications to establish eligibility and enroll in coverage through the Marketplace. This includes helping consumers find out if they qualify for insurance affordability programs, and if they’re eligible, helping them choose a plan of their own and then assist them through the application process and answer any question they have pertaining the Affordable Care Act or the insurance marketplace.
Navigators also provide outreach and education to consumers to raise awareness about the Marketplace, and refer consumers with complaints, questions, or grievances about their coverage to health insurance ombudsmen or other consumer assistance programs or state agencies. Navigators are required in all types of marketplaces.
Navigators are certified and funded by grants through the Marketplace in which they operate. Navigators must complete comprehensive training, undergo criminal background checks and submit to fingerprinting.
Assisting the Navigators are CAC’s or “Certified Application Counselors.”
The certified application counselors perform many of the same functions as Navigators and non-Navigator assistance personnel—including educating consumers and helping them complete an application for Marketplace coverage and insurance affordability programs, as well as other application and enrollment support. They may also provide help with the Marketplace eligibility appeals process.
The Federally-facilitated Marketplace designates organizations to certify application counselors. Examples of these designated organizations include community health centers or other health care providers, hospitals, or social service agencies.
A State-based Marketplace may choose to certify application counselors directly rather than designating organizations to do so. A State-based Marketplace can also designate certified application counselor organizations. Certified application counselors and Marketplace-designated certified application counselor organizations don’t receive funding through the Marketplace – lets be perfectly clear on that. With that being said Certified application counselors and organizations in all marketplaces may, however, apply to receive federal funding through other grant programs or Medicaid to help support their consumer assistance and enrollment activities.
All certified application counselors are required to complete comprehensive training and fulfill certification requirements.
Both certified application counselors and navigators serve on the front line of healthcare reform in the United States.
Health Reform Explained – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Ilc5xK2_E
Unfortunately today Obamacare remains a hot button political issue.
See video: President Obama Destroys “Obamacare” Critics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOKfQ31Zrng
See video: Obama Clearly Explains “Obamacare” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsW0l139JD0
To locate a navigator or CAC in your area visit website: Find Local Help https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/
.