- Are senior citizens subject to the individual shared responsibility provision?
Yes. Senior citizens must have minimum essential coverage or qualify for an exemption for each month in a calendar year. Both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) qualify as minimum essential coverage. Read more about the shared responsibility provision and how to apply for an exemption.
- How is Health First Colorado different from Medicare?
While Medicare is a federal government-sponsored healthcare program primarily for seniors, Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) is for any Colorado resident who qualifies. Medicare and Health First Colorado differ in terms of who they cover, how they are funded, and who runs the program. To find out more about Medicare visit Medicare.gov or call Medicare Customer Service at 1-800-633-4227.
- I am a health care provider and have received numerous questions about health care reform from my patients. What information do I need to know about the law?
To find out more information about the Affordable Care Act (health care reform), Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid Program) expansion and Connect for Health Colorado visit the ACA Resources for Health Care Providers page. This page has been designed specifically to help health care providers and their staff answer patient questions about health care reform.
- I am a health care provider and my patients have asked me about buying health insurance through the Connect for Health Colorado marketplace. Where can I find out more information about the marketplace?
Visit Connect for Health Colorado for more information about buying insurance through the marketplace.
- I am a retiree and I am too young to be eligible for Medicare. I receive my health coverage through a retiree plan made available by my former employer. Is the retiree plan minimum essential coverage?
Yes. Retiree health plans are generally minimum essential coverage. Get more information.
- I want to know about Medicare. Where do I go for more information?
To find out more about Medicare visit Medicare.gov or call Medicare Customer Service at 1-800-633-4227.
- Will Medicare change under the health reform law?
- Medicare isn’t part of the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace established by Affordable Care Act, so you don’t have to replace your Medicare coverage with Marketplace coverage. No matter how you get Medicare, whether through Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll still have the same benefits and security you have now.
- You don’t need to do anything with the Connect for Health Colorado Marketplace during Open Enrollment period.
- You get more preventive services, for less. Medicare now covers certain preventive services, like mammograms or colonoscopies, without charging you for the Part B coinsurance or deductible. You also can get a free yearly “wellness” visit.
- You can save money on brand-name drugs. If you’re in the donut hole, you’ll also get a 50% discount when buying Part D-covered brand-name prescription drugs. The discount is applied automatically at the counter of your pharmacy—you don’t have to do anything to get it. The donut hole will be closed completely by 2020.
- Your doctor gets more support. With new initiatives to support care coordination, your doctor may get additional resources to make sure that your treatments are consistent.
