About the only thing we know for sure about the Affordable Care Act is that people are confused. Even Jimmy Kimmel is joking about everyone’s ignorance on the subject. However, 77% of 18 – 25 year olds say that health insurance is very important to them, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation poll.
For anyone looking for the Reader’s Digest version of the new law, Bill Sokol, a Bay Area benefits attorney, lays out what every Californian needs to know about the Affordable Care Act in his recent column. He explains what you need to know, based on your income.
For instance, if you expect to earn less than $15,856 in 2014, you should be eligible for free Medi-Cal. But if your employer already provides you with affordable health insurance (which means that it costs no more than 9.5% of your income) and it covers 60% of the cost of your benefits, you’re all good. No need to change anything.
The biggest takeaway is that everyone must sign up for health insurance in 2014, or pay a fee. Sokol recommends calling the California State Healthcare Exchange at (800) 300-1506 for assistance.