Obamacare Healthcare Exchanges: Inside Look

On October 1st, the Obamacare healthcare exchanges went online. Below you’ll find information on how to log in and purchase coverage. I live in Tennessee, and the information below is based on that exchange.

It is very important to note that physicians (and hospitals) are not required to accept insurance under U.S. federal law. You may purchase coverage, but your physician (or hospital) does not have to accept it.

It is also important to note that you do not have to be a U.S. citizen in order to qualify for health insurance coverage.

Obamacare Health Exchanges: An Inside Look

The homepage of the Obamacare healthcare exchanges. Click the green Apply Now button to continue.

Select the state you live in from the drop-down menu, then click Apply Now to continue.

Create your Marketplace account by filling out the required information on all three pages.

Clicking Log In in the top-right corner of HealthCare.gov brings you to this page. Type in your username and password to continue.

Click the white box under Individuals and Families if you wish to enroll yourself and family members.

Click the white box under Small Business Employers if you are a small business and wish to enroll your employees. Note: this option isn’t available yet — it has been delayed for approximately one month.

(What you see if you live in Tennessee.) Pay close attention to who it says can apply and what you need in order to apply. Click Next (green button) to continue.

Click Next (green button) to continue.

Click the white box to agree to the policy statement. Once you’ve checked the box, click Save & Continue.

Click Next (green button) to continue.

Answer the questions. Click Save & Continue (green button) when finished.

Check the box for the person who is helping you fill out your application. Click Save & Continue when finished.

Check the box that best describes your current situation (for example, whether you need help paying for coverage). Click Save & Continue when finished.

You’re next taken through a series of pages that ask personal questions about the person applying for coverage. I did not include screenshots of these pages, as my personal information was already filled in on them.

You’ll next reach an Additional Information page.

Click Next (green button) to continue.

Check the box that most represents you. Click Save & Continue when finished.

Check the box that most represents your current status. Click Save & Continue when finished.

Click Next (green button) to continue.

You’ll next see a summary of your application. I’m not including a screenshot of the summary, as it contains my personal information.

Click the boxes that best represent your current situation. Click Save & Continue when finished.

Type your name into the box. You can then click Save and Return Later, or click Save and Continue to ID Proofing once you’ve entered your name.

Click Get Started (green button) to continue.

Click Continue (green button) to move forward.

Once your identity is confirmed, you’ll be brought back to a page like this. Click Continue Application (green button) to continue.

Click Resume Enrollment (green button) to move forward.

Answer the questions based on your current situation. Click Continue (green button) to proceed. Once you answer all three pages of questions, you’ll know whether you’re eligible for coverage.

This is the page you see next. You’re one step closer to being able to apply for coverage. Click Set (green button) to move forward.

This is a brief explanation of the plans available in the exchanges. Click Next (green button) to continue.

Information about the four health insurance plan categories. Click Next (green button) to continue.

Explanation of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. (Note: premiums and out-of-pocket costs on the exchange are higher than for comparable plans off the exchange.)

Above is an overview of the types of plans on the exchange. Select the type of plan you want to see, and you’ll get a list of plans to choose from.

There are 72 health insurance plans on the TN Health Exchange: 14 Bronze, 30 Silver, 21 Gold, and 7 Platinum. Above is an example of a Bronze plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN).

Above is an example of a Silver plan (Humana).

Above is an example of a Gold plan (Cigna).

Above is an example of a Platinum plan.

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Matthew D. Taber, M.S. is Chief Operating Officer of Medical Access USA, a company which offers full access to medical care to patients and 100 percent reimbursement to primary care physicians through direct primary care models. Reach him by phone at 615-669-8347 to receive a free webinar presentation and evaluation of your medical practice or hospital.

Are you looking for more information about current events surrounding the Obamacare healthcare exchanges? Be sure to follow BHM Healthcare Solutions to learn more.