Healthcare in America

The Affordable Care Act and Medicaid

Healthcare in America is the most talked about topic today. This seems to be true since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as “Obamacare”, is in place. This act was signed into law back in 2010. It took four years for the changes to take place and now citizens of America are required to have a health insurance plan in 2014. Open enrollment for “Obamacare”, insurance plans ends March 31, 2014. Those who do not have insurance by then, will be taxed 1% of their salary by the IRS or receive a tax penalty of 95 dollars. The Affordable Care Act has made many changes to health insurance coverage, such as Medicare and Medicaid, family insurance plans and more.

If one cannot afford health insurance, Medicaid will be extended under certain conditions. Medicaid will be extended to individuals or families who earn up to 133% of federal poverty level. According to About.com, federal poverty level for an individual is $15,281. For a family of four, the federal poverty level is $31,321.50.

Individuals or families who earn too much for Medicaid will receive tax credits only if their income level is below 400% of poverty level. According to About.com, for an individual to qualify for a tax credit, their income would have to be $45,960. For a family of four, 94,200. The credit is then applied monthly instead of a yearly tax rebate. There are also reduced copayments and deductibles for these individuals and families.

According to Medicaid.gov, Georgia is not expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults. However, there are many other states that decided to expand their Medicaid coverage. For a pregnant woman in Georgia to receive Medicaid, the income level must be no more than 2,844. States have the option to extend Medicaid coverage to pregnant woman up to or over 185% and majority of states have decided to so. States have the option to provide pregnant women with full Medicaid coverage.

Medicaid has...