Frequently-asked questions about health insurance
Our insurance experts answer the questions our readers ask most.
What are the ACA’s enrollment periods and when can I enroll outside of the open enrollment period? Read answer
What’s the deadline to get coverage during Obamacare’s open enrollment period? Read answer
Do student health policies have to cover birth control without co-pays? Read answer
What is the Medicaid ‘coverage gap’ and who does it affect? Read answer
I’ve heard that the government can’t really enforce the penalty for not having health insurance. True? Read answer
If the IRS doesn’t owe me a refund, how does it enforce the individual mandate penalty? Read answer
If I didn’t enroll in a plan by the open enrollment deadline, what are my options now? Read answer
Should I be leery of short-term health insurance? Read answer
My employer offers insurance, but I think it’s too expensive. Can I apply for a subsidy to help me buy my own insurance? Read answer
How do the health insurance exchanges affect me if I already have insurance from my employer? Read answer
Does the president’s executive order mean the IRS won’t enforce the individual mandate penalty? Read answer
If I qualify for Medicaid, should I worry about the January 31 deadline for open enrollment? Read answer
What is the difference between a Medical FSA and an HSA? Read answer
What happens if I don’t make my premium payment by the end of the grace period? Read answer
I have insurance through my husband’s employer, so I don’t need my employer’s coverage. But my company said I have to work fewer than 30 hours a week so that I’m not considered full time. Can I just waive my employer’s coverage if they let me work full time? Read answer
We’re a family of four with an income of $47,000 a year. What kinds of subsidies are available to help us purchase insurance through the exchanges? Read answer
Does Obamacare make health coverage less expensive for the self-employed? Read answer
Where do I find my 1095 tax form? Read answer
I have heard that because of Obamacare, employers have been dropping spouses from their plans. Is this true? Read answer
If I didn’t make changes to my plan and just let it auto-renew for January, am I stuck with it for the rest of the year? Read answer