Idaho Medicaid expansion may change eligibility for ACA Health Exchange in 2020

The Idaho and Washington Health Exchanges are now open!  Individuals, families, small employers, employees, dependents, college students - anyone who relies on individual medical insurance coverage - must apply before Dec. 15 during this annual open enrollment, unless you are renewing existing coverage at a different time.

“Our agents, Tim Gleason and Dave Root, have both done a great job researching plans for our new and returning clients through the Idaho and Washington Exchanges,” said Shawn D.. Sullivan, American Insurance President. “By staying on top of all of the ongoing changes, we are able to offer several options for each area family with and without the tax credits.”

Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or premium subsidy (APTC) and cost sharing (lowered deductibles and coinsurance) for an ACA Exchange medical plan.  We can help you find out and quote all exchange plans for you to find a plan and premium best for you.

• Reach ACA Exchange Certified Health Agents Dave Root or Tim Gleason at AMERICAN INSURANCE by calling 208-746-9646, texting 208-518-0823 (please provide your name), emailing them at Medical [at] Am-Ins [dot] com or contact them online.

Medicaid Expansion in Idaho  

Depending on your income, you may now qualify for Medicaid benefits. In November 2018, Idaho voters passed Proposition Two to expand Medicaid and provide coverage to individuals with an annual household income up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Prior to Medicaid expansion, eligible individuals with an annual household income between 100-400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) could enroll with Your Health Idaho and receive the Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) to help reduce the cost of monthly insurance premiums.

Idaho Medicaid offers low-cost or free health insurance coverage to Idahoans with limited income. Your Health Idaho is the state insurance exchange where Idahoans can shop and compare plans and receive financial assistance if they qualify. Health plans available through both Medicaid and Your Health Idaho must cover a similar set of Essential Health Benefits.

Your Health Idaho Exchange

As of January 1, 2020:

• Eligible Idahoans with an annual household income up to 138% of FPL will be enrolled in Medicaid. See “Who is Eligible?”
• Eligible Idahoans with an annual household income of 139-400% of FPL can enroll through Your Health Idaho and receive APTC to lower their monthly insurance premiums.
• Eligible Idahoans with an annual household income greater than 400% of FPL can enroll in a plan from Your Health Idaho, but cannot receive APTC or other cost savings.
• Medicaid and tax credit eligibility are determined by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

If you currently have coverage through Your Health Idaho, and your income falls between 0-138% of FPL, you will be enrolled in Medicaid as of January 1, 2020. You will receive notice of the change from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare prior to January.

If you currently have coverage through Your Health Idaho and your income is above 138% of FPL, your coverage will not be affected and will be automatically renewed for 2020.

For 2020, Idaho residents have 6 insurance companies offering a total of 116 medical plans and 13 dental plans (not all plans are available in every Idaho county) in the Exchange.

WA Health PlanFinder Exchange

Washington residents have 66 qualified health plans and 7 dental plans offered on the Exchange for 2020.

Get Local, No-Cost Assistance - Idaho and Washington residents are invited to call for an appointment with ACA Exchange Certified Health Agents Dave Root or Tim Gleason at AMERICAN INSURANCE. Call 208-746-9646, text 208-518-0823 (please provide your name), email us at Medical [at] am-ins [dot] com or contact us online to set your free appointment today.

Source:  Idaho Health and Welfare, Your Health Idaho, and Washington Health PlanFinder websites as of 10/31/19.