Affordable Care Act/Obamacare was signed into law on March 23, 2010. Different portions of the ACA go into effect on different dates. Effective October 1st of each year individuals may enroll in health insurance plans offered from state-based health insurance exchanges. It’s important to learn about your rights under the ACA and take advantage of the new benefits being offered.

Medicaid Expansion

Medicaid Expansion is a great opportunity for individuals and families with low to modest income. Free comprehensive healthcare coverage!

Previously Medicaid (Apple) was available to children, families with minor children. Aged, blind or disabled people who are very low income. Under the new provisions of the Affordable Care Act, the new standard for eligibility is based on income only.

Childless adults will now be eligible if their income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Income figures rise with the family size. For children, the income cutoffs are even higher.  Children in a family of four people can be covered if their income is below $76,000. We are assuming that over a quarter of our Samish uninsured people are eligible under the new guidelines.

Applications can be done for Natives at any time, not just during Open Enrollment.  You may apply at www.wahealthplanfinder.org   or call Purchased /Referred Care for a name and phone number of someone who can help you through this process, painlessly.

Indian Health Services requires that you utilize any available alternate resources before PRC dollars can be spent. Failure to apply for this free comprehensive coverage can cause you to lose access to PRC.

• HCA.wa.gov
• WA Health Plan Finder
• WAHB Exchange

• Whitehouse.gov
• Insurance.wa.gov
• NativeExchange.org
• Just Explain It: Five Things You Might Not Know About the Affordable Care Act