Katie Klabusich

Host

Navigating the Obamacare Deadline

Mar 20, 2014·53 visitors

Heather Parker

Cohost

Stage· 210 messages

Mar 20, 2014

The Affordable Care Act deadline is March 31st! If you've put off signing up and have questions on getting covered, ACA navigator Heather Parker is back to help.nnJoin us as we chat about the sign-up process, what to look for in a healthcare plan and what you can expect at https://www.healthcare.gov.

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Trey Williamson

“I SHALL be in attendance, please help!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lou FCD

“I tend to be early to meetings...”

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

Hello!

Katie Klabusich · 12:00 AM

Thanks to everyone for coming - especially Heather for coming back to lend us her ACA navigator expertise!

Heather Parker · 12:01 AM

Thanks for inviting me back, Katie. And thx to everyone who's attending. Don't be shy w/ your questions, please!

Katie Klabusich · 12:02 AM

Agreed! Here's the website, in case anyone missed it -- https://www.healthcare.gov. That's where you can sign up through, when, Heather?

Katie Klabusich · 12:03 AM

Thanks for being early, Lou -- excellent of you. ;)

Heather Parker · 12:03 AM

He's just being a show-off. ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:03 AM

Hahaha

Katie Klabusich · 12:03 AM

Perhaps...

Katie Klabusich · 12:04 AM

So, I was saying after I gave the sign up website, people can sign up through when?

Heather Parker · 12:04 AM

THERE WE GO. Sorry, folks. We were having some technical glitches.

Heather Parker · 12:04 AM

Yes, that's the signup page if you're not in a state that started it's own exchange.

Katie Klabusich · 12:05 AM

Huzzah, new formats! lol

Heather Parker · 12:05 AM

The very last day you can sign up without a penalty is March 31st.

Katie Klabusich · 12:05 AM

So, we are just ahead of the deadline.

Heather Parker · 12:05 AM

Just a teensy bit ahead of it

Heather Parker · 12:06 AM

But that doesn't mean you should wait until the last minute

Heather Parker · 12:06 AM

Because we all know what happened when all of us tried to go onto healthcare.gov at once the last time around. ::cough::

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

YES

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

Good reminder!

Katie Klabusich · 12:06 AM

Quick disclaimer, for obvi reasons: These are generalized advice answers, etc etc. You should officially call the navigator number at healthcare.gov for specifics. :)

Heather Parker · 12:07 AM

Yep, please please please talk to a navigator either at healthcare.gov or at your own state exchange (or you can message me if you live in DC :D ) with state-specific questions.

Katie Klabusich · 12:07 AM

So, heather has been navigating since sign-up started, which makes her perfect to chat with.

Heather Parker · 12:08 AM

If you need to know whether or not the marketplace in your state is federally run, or state run, here's a good list to look at: http://kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/health-insurance-exchanges/

Katie Klabusich · 12:08 AM

She's also super passionate about people and health, so I was psyched that she'd been hired to do this important job.

Heather Parker · 12:08 AM

I was psyched, too, Katie. I went without health insurance for abt 18 months, so I know how terrifying it can be to be uninsured. Now that I have insurance, this is a way I can give back.

Katie Klabusich · 12:09 AM

First, what are you hearing is the biggest hurdle to people signing up? Why have they waited?

Heather Parker · 12:10 AM

I think people were honestly a little scared by all the hype in the media abt the website not working (it's working fine now, folks - scouts honor). And this is something new, so there's always that fear of the unknown.

Heather Parker · 12:10 AM

And then you have stories being put out there in the media of people claiming that their premiums doubled or tripled...but they never even checked the exchanges!

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

Gotcha. So it isn't because people didn't want the insurance, they were just overwhelmed by the idea of signing up.

Heather Parker · 12:11 AM

And add on top of that plain old ordinary procrastination, and that gets us to today.

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

I think we can all agree Fox News (and others) have been less than helpful.

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

Yes, procrastination is always a thing.

Heather Parker · 12:11 AM

Indeed!

Katie Klabusich · 12:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lou FCD

“So to start the questions, suppose a person is on Social Security, or gets SSI or SSDI. Does that person need to do anything? Are they already covered? Does that count towards avoiding the tax penalty?”

Heather Parker · 12:12 AM

Just getting SSI or SSDI doesn't mean you have health insurance, Lou FCD, but good question. You have to make sure you have actual health insurance.

Katie Klabusich · 12:12 AM

How can people do that?

Heather Parker · 12:12 AM

Normally if you're receiving payments from Social Security, you're receiving health insurance through Medicare or Medicaid, or some combination of the two. And if you have that, you ARE covered, and don't need to worry.

Katie Klabusich · 12:13 AM

Yeah, most of us were hoping for Medicare for all -- something I toss out around now in healthcare discussions to avoid the "BUT THIS ISN'T" and "BUT OBAMA" Yes. Agreed. Universal care would be the best plan. The ACA is an improvement, real

Katie Klabusich · 12:13 AM

insurance reform.

Heather Parker · 12:14 AM

So you know you won't be subject to the penalty if you have individual market policies, job-based coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, or TRICARE.

Heather Parker · 12:14 AM

You ALSO won't be subject to the penalty if you meet special exemptions.

Katie Klabusich · 12:14 AM

Basically if you have insurance you're ok? And what is the penalty exactly? This was a sticking point for people who opposed the ACA.

Heather Parker · 12:15 AM

The penalty for 2014 is $95 OR 1% of your income, whichever is greater.

Katie Klabusich · 12:15 AM

That doesn't sound like much. Why are people freaking out?

Heather Parker · 12:15 AM

And, yep, if you have insurance which meets the ACA requirements (gov't insurance that I mentioned does - private insurers will have sent you a letter if they didn't), you're fine.

Katie Klabusich · 12:16 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Okay, so I recently moved to Georgia, which is a state that chose not to expand medicare or medicaid. It's a federally-run marketplace. And my husband and I still can't afford healthcare based on the results we got when we plugged in our info.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:16 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“What now?”

Heather Parker · 12:16 AM

Because people LOVE to freak out? Also, the penalty is going to increase next year, and the year after.

Katie Klabusich · 12:16 AM

While Heather dishes out some advice, this is where I rail against GOP governors -- who demanded the ability to set up their own exchanges, etc and then didn't -- and sigh. There is still a HUGE doughnut hole. Lots of people are still not covered.

Katie Klabusich · 12:17 AM

The ACA didn't solve everything.

Heather Parker · 12:17 AM

Hi Rebecca. One of the exemptions is actually an unaffordability exemption. If insurance would cost you more than 8% of your household income, you are eligible for hardship exemption, and wouldn't be subject to a penalty.

Heather Parker · 12:18 AM

And ditto everything Katie just said.

Katie Klabusich · 12:18 AM

If Rebecca wouldn't be penalized, how does her family look for coverage?

Katie Klabusich · 12:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“That's a helpful answer! Thanks! :) And also - ditto what Katie said - we're in the doughnut hole! :D”

Heather Parker · 12:19 AM

That's a really tough question, Katie. And one that's hard for me to answer without knowing her specific situation. I think it would be a REALLY good idea for her to speak to a federal broker on the federal exchange abt her needs.

Katie Klabusich · 12:20 AM

They can help even with people in the "hole" (as it were)?

Heather Parker · 12:20 AM

For the record, brokers and navigators associated with the exchange CANNOT charge you for helping with the process. If anyone attempts to charge you for helping you to fill out an application or choose a plan, and claims to be associated (1/2)

Katie Klabusich · 12:20 AM

Good reminder!!

Heather Parker · 12:20 AM

with the exchange, you need to report them immediately to either the federal exchange or the state exchange where you live.

Katie Klabusich · 12:21 AM

We need the signs they have at airports. "Anyone attempting to solicit assistance on this level...."

Heather Parker · 12:21 AM

They will do there very best to help people, Katie. I was just working with a broker tonight who's doing his best to help a small business owner get coverage for her employees.

Katie Klabusich · 12:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Well, the thingis, we *should* be moving 12 miles...just over the border to Tennessee...soon. But not before March 31. TN did expand medicare and medicaid. & my hubs *may* be changing jobs - to full benefits.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“If we just wait it out, what would penalities look like?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:21 AM

Awesome!!

Katie Klabusich · 12:21 AM

Rebecca is describing the "life events" that the ACA is designed to take into account.

Heather Parker · 12:22 AM

Hey Rebecca, again, if the insurance you're being offered on the exchange is more than 8% of your household income, you would qualify for an exemption,a nd you would just need to request one and provide proof.

Heather Parker · 12:22 AM

If it's NOT more than 8%, but it's still just more than you can afford right now (totally understandable), you should know that the penalty is prorated.

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“More helpful information, ladies. I appreciate this so much! I should call a broker.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:22 AM

Doesn't "proof" happen at tax time, basically?

Heather Parker · 12:22 AM

And that it is PER ADULT.

Heather Parker · 12:23 AM

Yep, Katie. The penalty will be assessed at tax time next year.

Katie Klabusich · 12:23 AM

Huzzah -- there it is. So prorated penalty for the beginning of the year b/t the deadline and when her husband's new job kicked in with the insurance?

Heather Parker · 12:23 AM

Basically, yep.

Katie Klabusich · 12:24 AM

Whew. Good questions!

Heather Parker · 12:24 AM

Your plan wasn't cancelled by any chance, was it Rebecca?

Heather Parker · 12:25 AM

Because that's another exemption. People who's plans were cancelled by insurance companies claiming that "Obamacare made them" cancel (1/2)

Heather Parker · 12:25 AM

can also claim and exemption.

Heather Parker · 12:25 AM

an*

Katie Klabusich · 12:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Nope. And yes. It was cancelled because I moved to Georgia. Montana BLue Cross gave me 3 months to get new coverage.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“My husband's was cancelled because he quit his job.”

Heather Parker · 12:26 AM

Hmmm...okay, so that exemption wouldn't apply for you. I really do think speaking with a broker on the federal exchange would be a GREAT resource for you right now.

Katie Klabusich · 12:26 AM

Heather, what is your most common question from people who are signing up for insurance for the first time?

Katie Klabusich · 12:26 AM

What is it they aren't sure to look for?

Heather Parker · 12:27 AM

"What is this going to cost me?" Every.single.time.

Katie Klabusich · 12:27 AM

Heh. that makes sense.

Katie Klabusich · 12:27 AM

What do you say?

Heather Parker · 12:27 AM

That it all depends on their income...and your age (younger people have lower premiums).

Heather Parker · 12:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Thank you so much. For some reason I had a mental block about the broker thing - I had in my head that it was only in-person to help you fill out the forms. I SHOULD call. :)”

Heather Parker · 12:28 AM

I've still yet to personally help anyone who's had the cost of their insurance go UP - I've had a couple (maybe 2?) people who haven't saved any money on the exchange, and everyone else has ended up paying much, much less for MUCH better coverage.

Katie Klabusich · 12:28 AM

Never be afraid to ask for help! ;)

Heather Parker · 12:29 AM

Exactly, Katie!

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

That's what happened to me.

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

Same price, WAY WAY WAY better coverage.

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

As in, it covers things.

Katie Klabusich · 12:29 AM

All the things.

Heather Parker · 12:29 AM

All the things, indeed. :)

Heather Parker · 12:30 AM

Like preventative care - huzzah for preventative care!

Heather Parker · 12:30 AM

And in DC, mental health care (yay!)

Heather Parker · 12:30 AM

And birth control EVERYWHERE! :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

I LOVE MY IUD

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

I can't say it enough.

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

really.

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

lolz

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Is there anything people ask about having covered that ISN'T covered on most (excluding the sort of ridiculous platinum plans) of the exchange plans?

Heather Parker · 12:31 AM

People often ask about dental, and that usually isn't covered in health plans.

Heather Parker · 12:31 AM

But most exchanges also allow you to look at dental plans (for REALLY low rates)

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

I have dental!

Heather Parker · 12:32 AM

And most plans (excluding plans in California where they passed an awesome law requiring them to cover it) refuse to cover TMJ disorder (a personal pet peeve of mine)

Heather Parker · 12:32 AM

Awesome, Katie!

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

That's werid.

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

weird

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

What makes TMJ so "special?"

Heather Parker · 12:33 AM

Dentists (dental insurance) claim it's a joint issue, ergo a medical insurance issue. And medical insurance claims it's a dental issue because it deals with the jaw, so everyone avoids responsibility. grumpy heather is grumpy

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

Well, that's annoying.

Heather Parker · 12:34 AM

Yep.

Katie Klabusich · 12:34 AM

No, YOU deal with it...No, YOU deal with it.

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

That sounds like more of a provider issue than a direct insurance problem.

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

Certainly not one created by the ACA.

Heather Parker · 12:35 AM

Speaking of annoying....feel like talking about that media matters piece until we get another question?

Heather Parker · 12:35 AM

(and, no, that isn't an aca issue - it's a LOOOOONG standing problem in the insurance world that needs to be addressed at the state level as CA did)

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

YUP. Jerks are still trying to keep people from signing up and making Heather's last day as rough as possible -- http://mediamatters.org/video/2014/03/19/fox-guest-accuses-obama-of-giving-a-wink-and-a/198535

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

Media Matters (a great org of people forced to watch right-wing media all day, so they should get hero pay) put this together.

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

I may have sent it to heather in advance...

Heather Parker · 12:36 AM

Sigh. That video. ::shakes head:: That video.

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

Tell us a little about what's going on.

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

(This is a continuation of what's been going on in the misinformation campaign for over a year.)

Heather Parker · 12:36 AM

Okay. So here's the thing. When you fill out an application for health insurance, you're required to list all members of your household, because your household size is used to determine whether and how much aid you receive.

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

Right. Easy enough.

Heather Parker · 12:37 AM

That means even if you have undocumented family members living with you who aren't eligible to get insurance through the exchange, you still need to list them, because they alter your household size.

Heather Parker · 12:37 AM

Still following along?

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

(Here's another solid myth busting job from MMFA -- and I don't just love it b/c they quote me. They answer some common questions: http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/10/31/called-on-to-explain-big-story-media-botches-ob/196689 )

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

Uh oh...

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

I sense an ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT freak out.

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

<sigh>

Heather Parker · 12:38 AM

Let me repeat that, just in case: undocumented individuals ARE NOT eligible to purchase health insurance on the exchange.

Heather Parker · 12:38 AM

(That also means they are subject to the penalty, in case anyone wants to know)

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

They are subject to the penalty?

Heather Parker · 12:39 AM

Doh! Are not

Heather Parker · 12:39 AM

Thanks for catching that, Katie.

Katie Klabusich · 12:39 AM

No prob. It's what I do. ;)

Katie Klabusich · 12:39 AM

So, they're only used to determine how thinly stretched your household income is, basically?

Heather Parker · 12:39 AM

Yep.

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

Doesn't that just sound fair?

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

I mean, it would INCREASE eligibility, right?

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

Because it brings down the per capita income.

Heather Parker · 12:40 AM

But, it's also important to know that each of the exchanges is tied to a central hub that pings against the IRS (to make sure you're telling the truth about your income), the DMV (to make sure you're telling the truth about your residency) and

Heather Parker · 12:40 AM

the department of Homeland Security (to determine your citizenship status)

Heather Parker · 12:41 AM

Yes, if those people are dependents - the formula is a little complicated.

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

That sounds like a good reason for immigration reform. <cranky Katie is cranky>

Heather Parker · 12:41 AM

So, given that the application pings against DHS, it's understandable that applicants w/ family members who are undocumented might feel a little wary abt applying

Heather Parker · 12:42 AM

Because, as a nation, we haven't had the greatest track record when it comes to immigration

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

That does make sense. So the right-wing thinks this means, what exactly?

Heather Parker · 12:42 AM

And, actually, Obama has issue A LOT of deportation orders.

Heather Parker · 12:43 AM

So, Obama issued a statement to REASSURE applicants who MIGHT have undocumented family members that information on an application will NEVER be used by DHS for immigration purposes.

Heather Parker · 12:43 AM

Because it shouldn't be.

Heather Parker · 12:43 AM

Accessing health care should not be used as a trap to "catch" undocumented immigrants

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

Well, that sounds positive! <waits for it....>

Heather Parker · 12:44 AM

But the right wing seems to think that this is Obama, and the democrats, "pandering" to Latino/a voters

Heather Parker · 12:44 AM

::headdesk::

Heather Parker · 12:44 AM

When, in reality, it was just Obama explaining how the system was designed to work from the very beginning.

Heather Parker · 12:44 AM

The system was NEVER designed to capture data in that way.

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

GOOD

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

It might be our only system NOT designed to entrap people. :P

Heather Parker · 12:45 AM

So, yeah, that video just about made my head explode after working all day to enroll peeps.

Heather Parker · 12:45 AM

It's hard enough to talk to immigrant communities without info like that going out on the airwaves. Sigh.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

I do that to Heather once in a while.

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

EXPLODE

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

Let's just hope they aren't primarily Fox watchers. ;)

Heather Parker · 12:46 AM

And I DO work with a lot of immigrant communities - primarily the Ethiopian community.

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

Is that a DC area thing?

Heather Parker · 12:47 AM

Yes, the Ethiopian community here is fairly large.

Heather Parker · 12:47 AM

Side note: This means lots of super yummy Ethiopian restaurants to try out. :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

Gotcha. This, folks, is why navigators are regional.

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

They can know specific issues, not just about the state level exchanges, but about the local communities.

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

Before we run out of time -- or your head explodes -- tell folks where to follow/read you or ask follow up questions!

Heather Parker · 12:49 AM

DING DING DING :)

Heather Parker · 12:49 AM

It's why I really wish more states had chosen and/or been able to set up exchanges of their own and to hire more local navigators to do on the ground work.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

Yeah, I expect eventually that'll change.

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

Some "red" states are expanding medicare after initially rejecting it <cough, Arizona>

Heather Parker · 12:50 AM

Yep, Medicaid expansion is the new "it" thing

Heather Parker · 12:51 AM

Here's a great chart on the status of Medicaid expansion by state: http://kff.org/health-reform/state-indicator/state-activity-around-expanding-medicaid-under-the-affordable-care-act/

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

That is a great lead in to remind people -- if you're in the "hole" that isn't permanent.

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

Lobby your legislators. You can get easy access to ALL their contact info at contactingthecongress.org

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

They'll help you tweet/email/snail mail everything. Tell them you want Medicare expanded. Quick while it's hot!

Heather Parker · 12:52 AM

Yes! Talk to your legislators. A lot. So much that they learn your first names. :)

Heather Parker · 12:52 AM

Psst - Medicaid

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

"Ugh, them again." YES, ME AGAIN.

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

If Governor Jan Brewer can change her mind...

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

folks, anything is possible.

Heather Parker · 12:53 AM

teehee

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Well, it sounds like the local navigators are super helpful even if you think you don't qualify.

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

They were hired with your tax dollars, all. Go make use of them!

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“You ladies have done a brilliant job here tonight!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Thanks, Rebecca! Let us know what you find out and how it goes. You know where to find us if you need anything. :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Thank you for the information and advice and a cross-section look at current issues.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Always! We can't chat without a little politics and advocating for better healthcare.

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“:)”

Heather Parker · 12:56 AM

Any last burning questions, peeps?

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

Thanks so much for coming and especially to Rebecca for asking questions -- those are the ones I hear the most on Twitter.

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“It is so important that you give these resources to people and encourage action and self-advocacy.”

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

We try!

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“You guys are like social participation cheerleaders!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Thanks again, and be well!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

Yes, everyone be well! And remember, you can still sign up after the deadline if you have "life events" like marriage, job loss, job gain, moving, etc.

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

The door doesn't close.

Heather Parker · 12:58 AM

What Katie said!

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

Thank you so much, Heather, I know you're working a ton right now. Much appreciated!

Heather Parker · 12:59 AM

Thanks again for having me, Katie!

Forum · 19

Forum· 19 comments

53 visitors

Tawkers AdminMar 10, 2014, 8:40 PM

Welcome to the comment section of the Tawk, where audience members can share their thoughts about the main conversation happening on the left. Don't by shy! Entering questions and comments is the only way to get the attention of the two Hosts on stage!

Trey WilliamsonMar 19, 2014, 4:59 PM★ Spotlighted

I SHALL be in attendance, please help!

Lou FCDMar 19, 2014, 11:38 PM★ Spotlighted

I tend to be early to meetings...

Lou FCDMar 20, 2014, 12:10 AM★ Spotlighted

So to start the questions, suppose a person is on Social Security, or gets SSI or SSDI. Does that person need to do anything? Are they already covered? Does that count towards avoiding the tax penalty?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:14 AM★ Spotlighted

Okay, so I recently moved to Georgia, which is a state that chose not to expand medicare or medicaid. It's a federally-run marketplace. And my husband and I still can't afford healthcare based on the results we got when we plugged in our info.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:14 AM★ Spotlighted

What now?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:18 AM★ Spotlighted

That's a helpful answer! Thanks! :) And also - ditto what Katie said - we're in the doughnut hole! :D

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:20 AM★ Spotlighted

Well, the thingis, we *should* be moving 12 miles...just over the border to Tennessee...soon. But not before March 31. TN did expand medicare and medicaid. & my hubs *may* be changing jobs - to full benefits.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:21 AM★ Spotlighted

If we just wait it out, what would penalities look like?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:22 AM★ Spotlighted

More helpful information, ladies. I appreciate this so much! I should call a broker.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:25 AM★ Spotlighted

Nope. And yes. It was cancelled because I moved to Georgia. Montana BLue Cross gave me 3 months to get new coverage.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:25 AM★ Spotlighted

My husband's was cancelled because he quit his job.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:28 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you so much. For some reason I had a mental block about the broker thing - I had in my head that it was only in-person to help you fill out the forms. I SHOULD call. :)

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:54 AM★ Spotlighted

You ladies have done a brilliant job here tonight!

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:55 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you for the information and advice and a cross-section look at current issues.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:56 AM★ Spotlighted

It is so important that you give these resources to people and encourage action and self-advocacy.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:56 AM★ Spotlighted

You guys are like social participation cheerleaders!

Rebecca Westbrook TokerMar 20, 2014, 12:57 AM★ Spotlighted

Thanks again, and be well!