Hints on Health Care Act

To the Editor:

Rollout of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is underway.

The goal: To provide millions of Americans access to affordable, quality health insurance and healthcare previously unavailable to them.

Under this law, insurers can no longer reject someone applying for a plan because of a pre-existing condition, put an annual lifetime cap on coverage, or remove someone from their insurance plan if they become sick.

The ACA law affects you if:

* You are currently uninsured or underinsured,

* Your place of work is no longer offering health insurance plans, or

* You currently have an individual plan and want to explore your options.

Maintaining health insurance, or obtaining it for the first time, is very important.

Every health plan in the Marketplace will offer comprehensive coverage, including preventive care, medications and doctor visits.

Access to services such as annual check-ups, women's exams and immunizations will make a big difference in your overall health and wellness.

It is also important that you have health coverage should you experience a medical emergency.

Without it, you are responsible for paying the entire cost of your medical care.

Lastly, the ACA law mandates that every American now have some form of health insurance by 2014 or face financial penalties which will increase over time.

If you are seeking an individual plan in your area, here's what to expect:

* In Indiana, the St. Vincent network chose to exclusively accept the MDwise Marketplace plans over those from other companies. This means if you want to receive care at St. Vincent Clay Hospital, you will need a MDwise Marketplace plan. If you choose another plan, it will not cover your medical services at St. Vincent Clay Hospital. It's important to understand that this hospital exclusively only refers to ACA Marketplace plans. Private and group plans continue to follow the same guidelines as before. If you have any questions about your current plan, it is important to contact your provider right away, and

* In Clay County, MDwise has a large network of physicians, primary medical providers and specialty doctors.

We are excited about providing options and assistance for uninsured and underinsured Hoosiers in Clay County to obtain the healthcare coverage they want and need.

Assistance is easily accessible.

MDwise and St. Vincent Clay Hospital are here to help you navigate the health insurance marketplace. We can help you apply over the phone, seven days a week.

To learn more, call 855-417-5615 or go online at www.MDwiseMarketplace.org.

Jamie Bruce, MBA, CHC,

Chief Development and Marketing Officer,

MDwise, Inc.