Ed. note: This was originally published on the HHS.gov Blog .
I run my own company, which restores wildlife habitats and wetlands, working with government agencies, landowners and private enterprises. But, as a self-employed person, it was a challenge trying to pay for health coverage for my daughter and myself.
I have congenital joint problems and have had six surgeries on my spine since the 1980s. I’m facing a knee replacement soon. It was terrifying watching my insurance rates go up and up, until I was paying about $1,200 a month to cover the two of us. And then it became worse when the recession hit and I had to use up my house equity and pension to help cover living expenses.
As soon as I could, I enrolled in a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. And with the start of Open Enrollment this past Sunday, I’m joining Americans across the country in checking out our options on the Marketplace for 2016 coverage.
When I enrolled during the first Open Enrollment, I qualified for tax credits and was able to get a policy that covered us for $438 a month. It has made it possible for me to breathe for the last couple of years. If something happens, I know my 22-year-old daughter and I are covered.
I was one step away from bankruptcy until the Affordable Care Act. I almost lost my house.
I lived in fear of losing my health care policy, as my pre-existing conditions could eliminate future coverage and I would be in serious trouble.
Being able to afford high-quality coverage has been a great relief. And there hasn’t been one bit of difference in the quality of care that I’ve gotten since I enrolled in a plan through the Marketplace.
I’ve started checking out my Marketplace coverage options for 2016 and learned that I may be able to add my main subcontractor as an employee and enroll my company in insurance that I think would cover my daughter, my employee and myself for an estimated total of $1,000, plus my company would get a 50 percent tax credit.
I’m still shopping on HealthCare.gov and I haven’t decided yet which option I will choose, but I know I will find a good deal to re-enroll in quality coverage that I can afford.
Things are looking up. And they can look up for you, too.
If you don’t have insurance or are renewing, check out your options for affordable, quality coverage through the Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Sign up by December 15 for coverage effective January 1.
Financial assistance is available. More than 7 in 10 returning Marketplace customers will be able to buy a plan for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits.
And if you need help or more information about how to enroll, you can contact the 24/7 call center at 1-800-318-2596, or find in-person help at www.LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov.
Cynthia is benefitting from a plan she found on www.HealthCare.gov, but you can help others just by sharing this blog post.