So my wife is going to look into Obamacare for herself tonight but she's nervous. She's afraid she

[diabeticman]

won't understand it. she wants something that isn't going to kill our monthly income BUT she doesn't want a high deductable when it come to getting coverage for hospital visits or things like that.

Is this a pipe dream as someone told her today or does she have a chance?

[steve2470]

1. If your income matches the subsidy requirements, there is a good chance

If your income is above the limit (I forget the exact figure), you and your wife will not qualify for a subsidy. The best answer is to create an account at healthcare.gov, answer the questions and see. I'm waiting for my application to be processed to see if I can save any money at all.

eta:

$11,490 to $45,960 for individuals
$15,510 to $62,040 for a family of 2
$19,530 to $78,120 for a family of 3
$23,550 to $94,200 for a family of 4
$27,570 to $110,280 for a family of 5
$31,590 to $126,360 for a family of 6
$35,610 to $142,440 for a family of 7
$39,630 to $158,520 for a family of 8

https://www.healthcare.gov/will-i-qualify-to-save-on-monthly-premiums/

The amount you save depends on your family size and how much money your family earns. In general, if your income falls within the following ranges you'll qualify to save money on your premiums in 2014. The lower your income within these ranges, the more you'll save. (The amounts below are based on 2013 numbers and are likely to be slightly higher in 2014.).....If your income falls below the amounts shown, you may qualify for coverage under your state’s Medicaid program. But if your state is not expanding Medicaid in 2014--and you don't qualify for Medicaid under your state's rules--you can’t get lower costs on Marketplace coverage based on your income. You'd have to pay the entire cost of a Marketplace insurance plan.

[diabeticman]

8. Thank you

[steve2470]

9. very welcome ! nt

[dkf]

11. The last part of your excerpt...huh? Why?

But if your state is not expanding Medicaid in 2014--and you don't qualify for Medicaid under your state's rules--you can’t get lower costs on Marketplace coverage based on your income. You'd have to pay the entire cost of a Marketplace insurance plan.

[JaneyVee]

2. Would need more personal info, like age, income, health.

[babylonsister]

3. Just do it and let us know what you come up with; we are

all in a learning curve at this point. Answers depend on particular incomes and circumstances. But I hear www.healthcare.gov is pretty simple to understand. I'm waiting a few days til the crowds die down.

[cilla4progress]

10. If my State has its own plan,

would that not supplant the federal site?

My costs are going UP under ACA based on family income, age! I guess the plan I had (which is going away under ACA) was better than I realized...

[C_U_L8R]

4. I just tried it

It's written very well and the site is helpful guiding you through the options.
I think they did a great job. No wonder Republicans are crapping themselves.

[rurallib]

5. remember you don't have to buy right away

get some info and think on it and talk about it and then make a decision.
Coverage doesn't start until January (signed up by 12/17) and the exchanges are open until March 31.

[diabeticman]

7. thanks for the advice

[kestrel91316]

6. Go shop on the website/your state exchange. That's what I have done.

When the website quits being wonky I know what plan I'm getting. I know how ridiculously low my premiums will be with the subsidy I qualify for. And I know the deductible, copays, and out-of-pocket caps are what I can live with.