Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, is a U.S. federal law that provides health coverage to millions of people.
The law offers a variety of coverage options, including private health insurance plans, Medicaid and Medicare. If you do not have health coverage through your employer or the government, you may be eligible for Obamacare. To apply, you must meet some requirements.
General requirements to apply for Obamacare
To apply for Obamacare, you must meet the following general requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status.
- Live in the United States.
- Not be under health coverage through your employer or the government.
- Have income within the limits listed below.
In addition to the general requirements listed above, some additional ones may affect your eligibility for Obamacare. These requirements include:
- Age requirements: If you are under age 18 or over 65, you may be eligible for coverage through Medicaid or Medicare, regardless of your income or immigration status.
- Work requirements: If you work, you may have to meet working hours requirements to be eligible for Obamacare.
- Education Requirements: If you are a student, you may have to meet additional eligibility requirements to be eligible for Obamacare.
Income Limits for Obamacare
Income limits for Obamacare are based on the size of your household and the state in which you live. For 2023, the income limits are as follows:
- One person: $14,580 to $58,320.
- Couple without children: $19,720 to $78,880.
- Couple with one child: $24,860 to $99,440.
- Family of three: $29,980 to $120,000.
- Family of four: $35,100 to $140,560.
Exceptions to the income requirements for Obamacare
However, there are some exceptions to the income requirements for Obamacare. For example, you may be eligible for coverage through Medicaid or Medicare regardless of your income if you have a disability or pre-existing health condition.
What happens if I do not meet the citizenship requirements?
If you do not meet the above requirements, you can’t apply for Obamacare. But don’t worry, there is always a solution.
For legal immigrants, that is, those who have a green card, a valid non-immigrant visa, applied for asylum, or have a legal status that has been granted through the respective laws, it is possible to obtain Obamacare health plans.
Immigration, Medicaid, and CHIP
Immigrants who are not “qualified non-citizens” are often eligible for coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) if they meet their state’s income and residency regulations.
Many qualified non-citizens (such as many LPRs or green card holders) have a 5-year waiting period to obtain Medicaid and CHIP coverage. This implies that, before they obtain Medicaid and CHIP coverage, they must wait five years after receiving “qualified” immigrant status. Exceptions exist. For example, people no longer have to wait five years to become refugees, asylees, and lawful permanent residents, which used to be the case. A “qualified non-citizen” refers to:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR/Green Card Holder).
- Asylees.
- Refugees.
- Cuban/Haitian entrants.
- Those paroled into the U.S. for at least one year.
- Those who were granted a conditional entry before 1980.
- Battered non-citizens, spouses, children, or parents.
- Victims of trafficking and their spouse, children, siblings, parents, or individuals with a pending application for a victim of trafficking visa.
- Those granted withholding of deportation.
- Members of a federally recognized Indian tribe or American Indian born in Canada.
- Citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau who are living in one of the U.S. states or territories (referred to as Compact of Free Association or COFA migrants).
Enrollment Periods for Obamacare 2023
There are two open enrollment periods for Obamacare each year:
- General enrollment period: November 1 through December 15.
- Special enrollment period: All year round, but only if you meet specific requirements, such as losing health coverage or moving to a new state.
How to Apply for Obamacare
You can apply for Obamacare online, by phone, or in person:
- To apply online, go to the healthcare.gov website.
- To apply by phone, call 1-800-318-2596.
- To apply in person, visit a health insurance assistance office.
However, we at Calma can give you some tips on how to get the most out of your coverage and secrets you won’t be told elsewhere that will help you save a lot of money, so don’t apply without first talking to one of our consultants.
Obamacare Benefits
Obamacare offers a variety of benefits, including:
- Essential health coverage: Includes basic medical services, such as preventive care, doctor visits, and hospitalization.
- Health insurance subsidies: These subsidies can help pay your health insurance premium.
- Pre-existing exclusion protection: You cannot be turned down for a health insurance plan due to a pre-existing condition.
Obamacare is a life-saving option for people who need health coverage. If you don’t have health coverage through your employer or the government, contact our team to get help to apply for coverage under Obamacare!
