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Obamacare question (need help, please)

callktulucallktulu Member Posts: 3,451 ✭✭✭
edited January 2017 in General Discussion
I am admittedly ignorant on the intricacies of Obamacare, and for the first time, I think I'm in a situation where it might affect me. I just left a job (with insurance benefits) in January, and started a new job (also with benefits). However, the old job's bennies run out after January 31st, and my new job's bennies don't take effect until 1 March.

Therefore, I am without insurance coverage, yet still employed, for the entire month of February. Does this mean I'll be penalized by Obamacare for not being insured? As a disabled veteran, do my VA benefits and/or ability to go to a VA facility for medical care count as "coverage," and I'm exempt from Obama-penalties?

I just don't know the details and need some advice, please.

Thanks!
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Comments

  • Horse Plains DrifterHorse Plains Drifter Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 40,166 ***** Forums Admin
    edited November -1
    No, our new president immediately did away with the penalty thing from the Gestapo.
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  • callktulucallktulu Member Posts: 3,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Horse Plains Drifter
    No, our new president immediately did away with the penalty thing from the Gestapo.


    No offense, but is there true documentation on this?
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  • mogley98mogley98 Member Posts: 18,291 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    https://www.va.gov/health/aca/FAQ.asp

    https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage/



    I am not qualified to make these statements however First of all

    if you have coverage as a Vet you are covered anyway.

    The VA should have already sent you a form 1095B indicating your coverage and you are NOT required to maintain any other coverage other then VA.

    Secondly you could extend the coverage of you old policy under Cobra to cover you from Jan 31 to March it is usually prohibitively expensive ans since you have coverage through the VA not necessary.
    Why don't we go to school and work on the weekends and take the week off!
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  • jimdeerejimdeere Member, Moderator Posts: 26,237 ******
    edited November -1
    You're good, don't worry about it.
    If you need short term insurance, check with United Health Care.
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  • grumpygygrumpygy Member Posts: 48,464 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Yes it does and you should have gotten a form from the V.A. to prove you had insurance.

    But by the time you go to file for this year, we may no longer have to worry about it.
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  • callktulucallktulu Member Posts: 3,451 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Yes, I did get the VA letter, so I'm just confirming with The Brain Trust here.

    Thanks!!
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  • drl50drl50 Member Posts: 2,496 ✭
    edited November -1
    You could be eligible to continue your previous employers benefits temporarily month by month, but at your own expense.

    "The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) requires most employers with group health plans to offer employees the opportunity to continue temporarily their group health care coverage under their employer's plan if their coverage otherwise would cease due to termination, layoff, or other change in employment status
    (referred to as "qualifying events")".

    http://cobrainsurance.com/
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  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You can buy catastrophic coverage for just a few bucks to get you past the 60 days uninsured between jobs. It ain't for snotty noses care but will cover you if you bust your leg.

    https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/short-term-health-insurance


    It is what I bought when I left the car sales job until my most excellent coverage began at my new job.
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  • cranky2cranky2 Member Posts: 3,236 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    You can keep your old insurance for up to 18 months. You will have to pay for it out of pocket and it's not cheap but better than being without.
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  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    you will not be fined The Va. will take care of that but as to coverage that leaves more Questions than answers
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  • armilitearmilite Member Posts: 35,490 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I wouldn't worry about any fines I was without insurance for a month December of 2015. It's not like the IRS is gonna check to see if every American had insurance for the full year.
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  • chiefrchiefr Member Posts: 14,105 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by mogley98
    https://www.va.gov/health/aca/FAQ.asp

    https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage/



    I am not qualified to make these statements however First of all

    if you have coverage as a Vet you are covered anyway.

    The VA should have already sent you a form 1095B indicating your coverage and you are NOT required to maintain any other coverage other then VA.

    Secondly you could extend the coverage of you old policy under Cobra to cover you from Jan 31 to March it is usually prohibitively expensive ans since you have coverage through the VA not necessary.




    Nailed it
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  • gunnut505gunnut505 Member Posts: 10,290 ✭
    edited November -1
    Your VA coverage should suffice.
    If you're nervous, hook up with a COBRA plan for 2 months. It's not much more than the combined payments you & your employer made for your recent insurance.
    Avoid any plan with the word, "Advantage" in it; the payments/premiums are fairly low, but the deductibles and out-of-pocket are INSANE.

    Also- you are "allowed" a 90-day period of non-coverage before things get bizarre.
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