How Maryland’s Plan Could Save Obamacare from Individual Mandate Repeal

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, has been a topic of much debate since its inception. One of the most controversial aspects of the ACA is the individual mandate, which requires most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty.

In 2017, the Republican-controlled Congress passed a tax bill that repealed the individual mandate. This repeal was expected to cause a significant number of people to drop their health insurance, which would have led to higher premiums and less coverage for everyone.

However, some states are taking steps to mitigate the effects of the individual mandate repeal. Maryland is one such state. In 2018, Maryland passed a law that created a new health insurance program called the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE).

The MHBE is a state-based marketplace where individuals and small businesses can shop for health insurance plans. The MHBE offers a variety of plans from different insurance companies.

One of the key features of the MHBE is that it includes a state-wide individual mandate. This means that all Maryland residents are required to have health insurance or pay a penalty.

The penalty for not having health insurance in Maryland is $650 per year. This penalty is much lower than the federal penalty, which was $695 per year in 2019.

The MHBE also offers a variety of financial assistance programs to help people afford health insurance. These programs include subsidies to help people pay for their premiums and cost-sharing reductions to help people pay for their deductibles and copayments.

The MHBE is a promising model for how states can mitigate the effects of the individual mandate repeal. The MHBE is expected to help keep more people insured and lower premiums for everyone.

What are the benefits of having health insurance?

There are many benefits to having health insurance. Health insurance can help you pay for doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. It can also help you get preventive care, such as mammograms and colonoscopies.

Having health insurance can give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected if you get sick or injured. It can also help you save money in the long run by preventing you from having to pay high medical bills.

How can I get health insurance?

There are several ways to get health insurance. You can get it through your employer, through a government program, or through a private insurance company.

If you don’t have health insurance, you can apply for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The Marketplace is a government-run website where you can shop for health insurance plans from different insurance companies.

You may also be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. Medicaid is a government program that provides health insurance to low-income individuals and families. CHIP is a government program that provides health insurance to children.

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, you can buy health insurance from a private insurance company. There are many different private insurance companies to choose from. You can compare plans and prices to find the best plan for you.

How can I find affordable health insurance?

There are several ways to find affordable health insurance. You can:

shop for plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace
compare plans from different private insurance companies
ask your employer about group health insurance plans
apply for Medicaid or CHIP

If you need help finding affordable health insurance, you can contact a licensed insurance agent. An insurance agent can help you compare plans and find the best plan for you.