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WHY it’s important to HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE:

We are not able to predict or control when we will become sick or injured. Health Insurance protects you and your family from the unexpected!

The cost of medical care and treatment can lead to financial hardship in a very short time. If you have health insurance, you will have peace of mind in knowing that you are protected from most of these costs. It is important not to wait until you or a family member becomes seriously ill to try to purchase health insurance.

We also know that there is a link between having health insurance and getting better health care. People with health insurance are more likely get medical treatment sooner than those without insurance. Additionally, people who have health insurance are more likely to get routine and preventative health care, thus remaining healthier over time

What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

  • It is a new way to find health insurance coverage that fits your budget and meets your needs.
  • The Affordable Care Act makes provision for people to receive reduced premiums and out of pocket costs on their insurance through the health insurance marketplace if they meet eligibility requirements.

For more information go to: HealthCare.gov

What does Marketplace health insurance cover?

  • Essential health services include the following minimum requirements:
  • Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care without being admitted to the hospital);
  • Emergency services;
  • Hospitalization;
  • Maternity and newborn care (before and after baby is born);
  • Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment;
  • Prescription drugs;
  • Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices;
  • Laboratory services;
  • Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management;
  • Pediatric services.

For more information go to: HealthCare.gov


What if someone doesn't have health coverage?

  • If someone who can afford health insurance doesn't have coverage, they will have to pay a fee. They also have to pay for all of their health care.
  • Visit the website for questions about:
  • What are the fees?
  • What is the minimum essential coverage?
  • What kinds of health insurance don't qualify as coverage?

For more information go to: HealthCare.gov


What if I'm self-employed?

  • If you're self-employed with no employees, you're not considered an employer. You can use the individual Marketplace to find coverage that fits your needs.
  • If you have employees, you can get coverage for yourself and employees through the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace.

For more information go to: HealthCare.gov


What are my health coverage options if I'm unemployed?

  • If you're unemployed, you may qualify for Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, or lower costs on Marketplace insurance based on your income.
  • Your options depend on your household income.

For more information go to: HealthCare.gov

What if I'm a part-time employee without health coverage?

  • If you're a part-time worker without job-based coverage, you may be able to buy health insurance in the Marketplace and get lower costs based on your income.
  • If you're offered coverage through an employer, you may buy insurance through the Marketplace instead. But, in most cases, you won't be able to get lower costs based on your income.

For more information go to: HealthCare.gov

United Community Health Center Can Help

  • United Community Health Center is a Certified Application Counselor Organization with trained staff available to answer any questions you may have about enrolling in Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP known as Hawk-I in Iowa), or the Marketplace Insurance Exchange. Appointments are preferred. If you would like more information about the Affordable Care Act, go to healthcare.gov.


To find out how much you are eligible for when you apply, you need to have the following information:

  • Social Security numbers (or document numbers for legal immigrants) for each member of your family
  • Birth dates for every member of your family
  • Pay stubs, W-2 forms, or "Wage and Tax Statements"
  • Policy numbers for any current health insurance
  • Information about any health insurance you or your family could get from your jobs


To apply for health coverage, create an account at HealthCare.gov

Additional Resources for Consumers:

  • Cuidadodesalud.gov – to apply for health coverage in Spanish Marketplace Call Center: 1-800-318-2596 (open 24/7)
  • TTY: 1-855-889-4325 (open 24/7)
  • SHOP Small Employer Contact Center: 1-800-706-7893 (Open Mon-Fri, 9 am – 7 pm)
  • Questions your CAC can't answer? Call your regional Navigator @ Planned Parenthood of the Heartland: Sioux City – 1-877-811-7526
  • Like Facebook.com/HealthCareGov
  • Follow @HealthCareGov on Twitter