1. AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE AND YOU

2. The Patient Protection and Affordable Healthcare Act makes affordable health insurance available to uninsured people in Washington, DC! The Affordable Healthcare Law: Eliminates lifetime limits on essential medical expenses: -- Hospitalization -- Rehabilitative and habilitative services (including mental health services) -- Preventive and wellness services -- Laboratory services -- Pediatric care -- Maternity and newborn care Prohibits Insurance companies from dropping your coverage or raising your premiums if you get sick -- or deny coverage if you have a preexisting condition Ensures that your child can stay on your health plan until age 26 Caps annual out-of-pocket medial and drug expenses up to an estimated $6,400 for individuals and $12,800 for families

3. Many states have established marketplaces or exchanges for uninsured residents to shop for insurance DC Health Link (www.dchealthlink.com) is the Health Insurance Marketplace for residents of the Districtwww.dchealthlink.com Residents of Virginia can get information at www.healthcare.govwww.healthcare.gov Maryland residents can go to www.marylandhealthcareconnection.govwww.marylandhealthcareconnection.gov DC Health Link can help you find the right health coverage : --Private Insurance Plan: Consider which insurance plan best meets your needs, and how you might lower costs based on your household size and income -- Medicaid: A program that provides coverage for families with limited income With few exceptions, everyone has to enroll in a health insurance plan by March 31, 2014 or face a penalty Certified, trained Individual Personal Assisters can help District residents find the best plan for you!

4. In the tradition of community service of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Second Episcopal District under the leadership of Supervisor Dr. Pam DeVeaux secured a grant to allow assisters to help anyone seeking help in securing health insurance coverage: Assisters will serve at locations throughout the District: Allen Chapel AMEMetropolitan AME Brown AMEPilgrim AME Campbell AMEReid AME Christ Our Redeemer AMESt. Paul AME Galilee AMEWard AME Hemingway

5. There are many factors to consider, including the network of doctors in each plan, the cost of their premiums, deductibles (amount you must pay before your costs are covered by your plan) You may apply for Medicaid or sign up for health insurance on your own by going to the DC Health Link website, or you may work with an Assister to evaluate and choose which insurance provider in the DC Marketplace is best for you

6. Each of these insurers has set rates at levels that call for different levels of out of pocket costs you will have to pay: Plan PaysYou Pay PLATINUM90%10% GOLD80%20% SILVER70%30% BRONZE60%40%

7. Once you identify the plan that best meets your needs, you can choose to apply for financial assistance to pay your premiums Your eligibility will be determined by your income and family size Because the Affordable Healthcare Law is new, the enrollment period is longer October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014 Enrolling in a plan by December 15, 2013 will ensure coverage on January 1, 2014 After that date, your coverage will begin the first day of each following month.

8. Failing to enrolling in a healthcare plan will result in a penalty of $95 or 1% of your gross income the first year, but will increase significantly the following year If you are considered covered if you are enrolled in: Medicaid or Medicare Job-based insurance COBRA Retiree insurance, TRICARE VA health If you have job-based insurance available to you, you can consider switching to a Marketplace plan, but you will not qualify for lower costs unless this insurance is unaffordable or doesn’t offer the minimum requirements of the Affordable Healthcare Law

9. All church organizations are encouraged to reach out to members, people in their surrounding communities that they serve through special programs and your Assister is available to help you as needed. Your Assister is: Cynthia Morris cynthiamorris@2ndamec.org (202) 503-3409 You can also call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325 24 hours a day, 7 days a week