Don’t be Afraid of Obamacare

Understanding the healthcare law is the key to shedding peoples fear of it

“Obamacare” represents the most significant regulatory overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system since the passage of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Insurance has never been easy to understand and many would argue that it’s by design. So, why does the public think they should be afraid of Obamacare? Republicans lies.

Republican’s have long preached that less government is better government. With their recent numbers falling rapidly they are in a major panic that Obamacare will work because it will prove that more government can be better. Ironically, one of the largest groups Obamacare benefits is low income people in red states. If these voters figure out that a democratic government can be a big help to them, then Republicans stand to lose these voters in huge numbers. (See Voter Suppression)

While a rose called by any other name may smell as sweet, Republicans would have you believe otherwise. The surprising thing is that most people have little knowledge of what the law actually entails. While Obamacare approval numbers are low, they are high when you simply call it the Affordable Care Act or list the actual things it changes.

According to a poll run by Kaiser:

88% are in favor of tax credits for small businesses to buy insurance
81% are in favor of closing the doughnut hole in the Medicare drug benefit
76% are in favor of extending coverage to offspring until age 26
71% are in favor of expanding Medicaid.
66% are in favor of banning preexisting condition exclusions
57% are in favor of employers mandated to supply insurance.

According to Obamacarefacts.com, “past ObamaCare polls also show that the parts of the program that people do understand almost all got over a 50% approval rating. The issue is simply that people don’t understand some of the provisions contained within the thousand plus page law and what they really do to help Americans.” So don’t let the politicians scare you into disliking things you actually like. Do your own research from unbiased sources and make your own decisions.

Meanwhile, ordinary citizens are starting to snap out of their politically induced comas to realize they may have to actually do something regarding Obamacare. Overwhelmingly they are confused. Does it affect me? Do I have to do anything? How do I do what I’m supposed to do?

Let me explain it simply for you.

1. You must have insurance, probably.

You don’t have to be the one paying for it. You can have insurance through your employer or have Medicaid or Medicare. If you don’t have insurance in 2014 you’ll be required to pay a penalty of 1% of your income or $95 whichever is greater, but that rises every year so jump on board quickly. By going through the website you may qualify for savings on your premiums. But this is only available through the website.

You may qualify for an exemption if:
You are uninsured less than 3 months of the year
Coverage would cost more than 8% of your income

Hardship exemptions also exist:

• You received a shut-off notice from a utility company.
• You recently experienced the death of a close family member.
• You filed for bankruptcy in the last 6 months.
• You had medical expenses you couldn’t pay in the last 24 months.
• You were ineligible for Medicaid because your state didn’t expand eligibility under the Affordable Care Act.

Full list of exemptions

2. You can apply online, by phone, by mail or with in person help.

• The easiest way is online by clicking here.
• Phone is pretty simple too. Just dial 1-800-318-2596 or TTY: 1-855-889-4325
• To get a paper application, download the application form and instructions.
• Want in person help? Just click here.

You have nothing to fear but fear mongering. Just stay calm and start your application now. You have until December 15th for it to be active on January 1st, 2014 and starting now will allow for any delays the internet or politicians can throw at you.