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HEALTH COVERAGE CHANGING DRASTICALLY, HOW TO GET INFORMATION

Starting in October, Californians will be able to sign up for health insurance in the state’s new health exchange, known as “Covered California.” Dan Stork points to places where you can find out what you need to know…

According to Mark Beach, communications director for AARP California, there are a couple of online resources to help guide people through the process of signing up in the health insurance exchange. The website HealthLawFacts.org has useful information about the Affordable Care Act, and the website HealthLawAnswers.org is an interactive site that asks a few simple questions to produce a customized report. Beach says, “It’s really just seven questions: Where do you live? What’s your age range, family status, et cetera. And based on these answers, the site provides guidance.” The actual costs and full details of the health plans won’t be available until October 1, but Beach said they hope people will take the time now to educate themselves so they make the right decisions. The Affordable Care Act requires that most people have insurance by January. Beach said it’s important to demystify the law for people of all ages. “Even if folks are 65-plus and on Medicare, they may have children, grandchildren, other relatives who will be affected by the new health care law.” When people file their 2014 income tax returns, they will have to report their health insurance coverage. Those who are not covered will be penalized 1 percent of their income. In 2017, that penalty increases to 2.5 percent. More information is at CoveredCA.com and at AARP.org

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