草榴社区

Q) Why did I receive this notice?

A) 草榴社区 is required by federal law to send all UAH employees a Health Insurance Marketplace Notice by Oct. 1, 2013. Additionally, all new hires are required to receive a copy of the notice within 14 days of their hire date. The notice will inform employees of their right to forgo employer-sponsored coverage and buy a policy through the marketplace.

Q) What should I do with the notice?

A) This notice is an informational mailing about the health insurance marketplace. No action is required if you already have the University鈥檚 health plan or are covered by other health insurance. If UAH employees who are covered by the UAH health plan think that insurance offered through the marketplace is a better option, they should visit for more information. The University will not advise employees on the topic of purchasing insurance from the marketplace. It is the employee's responsibility to contact the marketplace for more information.

Q) What is the Health Insurance Exchange?

A) The official term when talking about Americans using a health insurance exchange is "health insurance marketplace." These terms are often used interchangeably.  This marketplace offers government-regulated, standardized plans and is designed to be the main venue for individuals and small business owners to find and obtain affordable healthcare coverage.

Q) Am I required to enroll in a plan offered through the exchange?

A) Most UAH employees will not be impacted by the implementation of the marketplace. If you are currently covered by the UAH heath plan or by other insurance, you are not required to enroll in a plan offered through the exchange.

Q) How do I know if I am currently eligible for UAH benefits?

A) All regular full-time and temporary full-time employees are eligible for benefits. If you have further questions please call Human Resources at 256.824.6640 or email us at benefits@uah.edu.

Q) I am a UAH employee but I am currently not eligible for health insurance with the University. How do I enroll in a plan through the health insurance marketplace?

A) If you do not have UAH coverage you can enroll in one of the plans offered in the exchange. To obtain more information or to enroll in a plan offered through the marketplace go to or call 800.318.2596 (TTY: 855.889.4325), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q) I heard that healthcare reform was delayed; does that mean I can wait to get individual coverage?

Starting with the 2019 plan year (for which you鈥檒l file taxes by July 15, 2020), the Shared Responsibility Payment no longer applies.

Note: Some states have their own individual health insurance mandate, requiring you to have qualifying health coverage or pay a fee with your state taxes for the 2019 plan year. If you live in a state that requires you to have health coverage and you don鈥檛 have coverage (or an exemption):

• You鈥檒l be charged a fee when you file your 2019 state taxes.
• You won鈥檛 owe a fee on your federal tax return.

Check with your state or tax preparer to find out if there is a fee for not having health coverage.

Q) Who is required to buy health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?

A) To learn more about who will be required to buy coverage under the ACA and what the penalties will be for not having coverage, .

Q) What is a minimum-value plan?

A) A plan that covers at least 60% of the total cost of medical services.

Q) Can I get a tax credit?

A) Some employees of the University will be eligible for a tax credit. Employees may receive the tax credit if they choose to purchase insurance from the exchange and have an income less than 400% of the poverty level.  For more information regarding the Federal Poverty Levels, .

Q) Can I apply for coverage through the marketplace at any time?

A) The initial open enrollment period for the marketplace will begin Oct.1, 2013 and end on March 31, 2014. Individuals interested in purchasing insurance from the marketplace must do so during this period.

Q) Can I get coverage for my dependents on the marketplace?

A) Yes, you can get coverage for your dependents through the marketplace. There will be a variety of plans and options available.

NOTE:  Employees currently enrolled in the UAH health plan can only make changes during the annual open enrollment period or for a qualifying life event change.

Q) I am not currently eligible for UAH coverage, but I work more than 30 hours a week. When will UAH offer me health insurance coverage?

A) According to ACA regulations, an individual who averages working at least 30 hours per week or 130 hours per month after a twelve month measurement period will be eligible for UAH health insurance beginning Jan. 1, 2015. The University will track hours worked for those employees who are currently not eligible for the UAH health plan. Those ineligible employees who subsequently become eligible after a measurement period will be given the opportunity to enroll in a new high deductible health plan in 2015.  Additional details regarding the high deductible health plan will be available in October 2014.

Q) I have family coverage, why is single coverage the benchmark to determine affordability?

A) Single coverage is the benchmark that the government put forward in the new healthcare law.

Q) If I elect marketplace coverage and decide I would like UAH coverage, when can I enroll in UAH coverage?

A) The only time that an employee can enroll in UAH coverage is during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event. Open enrollment is typically held mid-October through mid-November each year. Plan coverage will become effective January 1 of the following year.

Q) Who can I contact to learn more about the state health insurance marketplace?

A) If any employee would like more information about the marketplace they can go online to Healthcare.gov or call 800.318.2596 (TTY: 855.889.4325), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Employees may also visit the  Facebook page at  or follow @healthcare.gov on Twitter for timely reminders and updates.