Where do I go for information? The federal government's marketplace website is www.healthcare.gov. The toll-free helpline is 1-800-318-2596. Spanish-language information is available at www.cuidadodesalud.gov. Information in other languages is available at 1-800-318-2596. The Kaiser Family Foundation has provided a tax credit estimator at kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator.
Is the online marketplace part of Obamacare? Yes. The health-insurance marketplace, or exchange, is one component of the Affordable Care Act.
Is this government insurance? No. The policies offered on the marketplace will be issued by private insurance companies.
Who can participate? Anyone can use www.healthcare.gov to compare plans, determine their tax-credit eligibility and apply for coverage. But if you qualify for Medicaid and Medicare, or can get health coverage from your employer, you will not be eligible for tax credits or cost-sharing.
When does it start? Pre-registration has already begun at www.healthcare.gov. Open enrollment begins Oct. 1 and ends March 31, 2014. You must choose a plan and make a first payment by Dec. 15 for coverage to start on Jan. 1. You can enroll later if you lose insurance because of a job change or other qualifying life event.
Which insurance companies are offering plans? The official list of companies, policies and rates won't be announced until mid-September. So far, four companies have applied to provide coverage in Oklahoma: Coventry Health Care Inc., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, GlobalHealth Inc. and CommunityCare.
Will the government pay the premiums or will I? You will pay the monthly premiums to the insurance company. If you qualify for a federal tax credit, the government will pay that amount directly to the insurance company, and your payment will be lower. Or you can pay the full premium amount and claim the credit on your federal tax return.
Who gets the tax credits? Eligibility is based on income and family size. Starting Oct. 1, you can determine where you stand on www.healthcare.gov.
How much will the policies cost?
Oklahoma premium rates won't be posted until September.
Will I pay more for insurance if I smoke? Yes.
Can the government force me to buy health insurance? No. But you will be subject to a fine, starting at $95 next year and rising to $695 in 2016. Some people will be exempt from the fine: Native Americans and people whose policies would cost more than 8 percent of their annual income.
