Telemedicine is the use of technology to deliver health care services remotely. It can include phone calls, video chats, online portals, mobile apps, and more. Telemedicine can help you access health care services from anywhere, anytime, and at a lower cost.
If you have an ACA plan, you may wonder how to use telemedicine when your life situation changes. For example, you may move to a new place, lose your job, get married, or have a baby. These changes may affect your health insurance needs and eligibility.
In this post, we will explain how to use telemedicine with your ACA plan when your life situation changes.
How do ACA plans cover telemedicine?
The ACA requires all individual and small-group plans (including those sold on the Health Insurance Marketplace) to cover 10 essential health benefits, including preventive care and chronic disease management. These benefits can be delivered through telemedicine, as long as they meet the same standards and quality as in-person services.
However, not all plans cover the same telemedicine services or the same amount of costs. Each plan has its own policies and rules regarding telemedicine coverage. Some plans may cover only certain types of telemedicine services, such as phone consultations or online visits. Some plans may charge different copays or coinsurance for telemedicine services than for in-person services.
You should check your plan’s summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) before you enroll or change your plan to see if it covers telemedicine services and how much you will pay for them.
How to update your ACA plan when your life situation changes?
Your life situation may change for various reasons, such as getting married or divorced, having a baby or adopting a child, moving to a new place, losing your job or changing your income, becoming a U.S. citizen or gaining lawful status, or turning 26 and aging off your parent’s plan.
These changes may affect your health insurance needs and eligibility. You may need to enroll in a new plan or change your current plan to get the best coverage and cost for your new situation.
If you have a qualifying life event (QLE), you have 60 days from the date of the event to enroll in or change your ACA plan. You can do this in two ways:
- Online: Log in to HealthCare.gov and update your application with your new information. You will see the plans that are available for you based on your new situation.
- By phone: Call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) and speak to a representative who can help you update your application and enroll in or change your plan.
You will need to provide proof of your QLE, such as a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, or a letter from your employer2. You can upload or mail your documents to HealthCare.gov.
How can DiskQuote help you find the right ACA plan for your telemedicine needs?
Finding the right ACA plan for your telemedicine needs can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider. Some of them are:
- The level of coverage and cost: ACA plans are categorized into four metal tiers: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. The higher the metal tier, the more coverage and lower cost-sharing the plan offers, but also the higher the premium. You should compare the benefits and costs of different plans to find the one that fits your budget and needs.
- The telemedicine services: Each plan has its own policies and rules regarding telemedicine coverage. You should check if your preferred telemedicine services are covered by each plan and how much you will pay for them.
- The provider network: Each plan has a network of providers that accept the plan’s coverage. You should check if your preferred providers offer telemedicine services and if they are in-network or out-of-network for each plan.
If you are a small business owner who wants to offer health plans to your employees, you can use the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace3. The SHOP marketplace is an online platform where you can compare and buy ACA plans for your workers. You can choose from different levels of coverage and cost, and offer one or more plans to your employees. You may also qualify for a tax credit if you have fewer than 25 full-time employees and pay at least 50% of their premiums3.
Finding the right ACA plan for your telemedicine needs can be time-consuming and confusing. That’s why we recommend DiskQuote, a company that works with reliable Health Insurance and Medicare Companies to get you the right insurance prices. DiskQuote has a team of qualified and experienced professionals who can help you find the ideal ACA plan for your telemedicine needs.
Everyday Voices: How to Use Telemedicine with Your ACA Plan
We interviewed Sarah Jones, a 32-year-old nurse from Atlanta, about her experience with using telemedicine with her ACA plan. Sarah has been working remotely during the pandemic and has been using telemedicine to access health care services.
Sarah, how long have you had your ACA plan and how did you choose it?
I’ve had my ACA plan for about three years now. I chose it because it was affordable and it covered the services that I needed, including telemedicine. I used HealthCare.gov to compare different plans and see their benefits and costs.
How has your life situation changed recently and how did it affect your health care needs?
Well, because of the pandemic, I’ve been working from home for the past year. That was a big change for me, because I used to go to the hospital every day and see my patients in person. It also affected my health care needs, because I couldn’t go to the doctor’s office or the clinic as easily as before.
How did you use telemedicine with your ACA plan and how did it benefit you?
I used telemedicine a lot with my ACA plan. I used it for routine check-ups, prescription refills, mental health counseling, and even some urgent care situations. It was very convenient and easy to use. I just had to log in to my online portal or use my phone app and connect with a provider. It saved me time and money, and it also kept me safe from exposure to the virus.
Note: The interviewee’s name has been changed to protect their privacy.
How can DiskQuote help you find the right ACA plan for your new situation?
At DiskQuote, we work with the reliable Health Insurance and Medicare Companies to get you insurance prices. We can help you compare and enroll in an ACA plan that suits your budget and health goals.
If you are interested in getting an ACA plan for 2023, don’t wait until the last minute. Contact us today and let us help you find the deal for your health insurance. Visit our contact page to fill out a simple form. Don’t let life changes affect your health insurance coverage. Update your ACA plan today with DiskQuote! 😊