By Murphy Grant and Becky Dixon
Co-Editor-In-Chief, Staff Writer

[dropcap]T [/dropcap]he Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, is a hot topic in the news right now.

But what exactly is it and how does it impact students in Dare County?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is intended to address issues with the U.S. health care system. This act aims to increase access to health insurance, introduce reform and improve health care quality, according to Farm Bureau Insurance.

“The Affordable (Care) Act is designed to try and reduce the cost of insurance for most citizens. Those who will be affected the most will probably be middle class Americans to people who are right above the federal poverty line,” said Bull Ritter, owner of Triangle Planning Services Inc. “The cost of the premium is based upon someone’s income and family size.”

On Oct. 1, 2013, two avenues of purchasing medical insurance were introduced. People can apply via HealthCare.gov at the online Marketplace which allows potential buyers to choose what health care is right for them while determining their eligibility or call the toll-free number. After becoming eligible, a buyer can enroll in a health insurance program. Buyers can also use an online private market like Blue Cross Blue Shield which follows a similar process with different prices.

“You would want to purchase medical insurance through the Marketplace or Health Care Exchange if your total household income falls between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level so that you may qualify for a federal subsidy,” said Larry Barker Vice President of Southern Insurance Agency, Inc.

There are four levels of medical insurance called metallic plans. The Bronze and Silver plans have lower premiums, but require more out-of-pocket costs. The Gold and Platinum plans have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses, according to WebMD.com.

“Prior to the Affordable (Care) Act we paid up to 25 percent of our after-tax income to secure health coverage for a family of six with a no-lifetime-maximum provision. Our premiums went up regularly, between eight percent and 20 percent, for six or seven years,” media specialist Susan McFarlane said. “When the Affordable (Care) Act no-lifetime-maximum provision went into effect, we saw an immediate reduction in premiums of about eight to 10 percent.”

When McFarlane’s son Jake got a concussion in 2012, the family faced high medical bills. McFarlane had to pay two deductibles because they were changing plans.

“I feel better for my parents now that they have Obamacare,” Jake said. “They will not have to pay as much if I ever get hurt again. I know the financial struggle that was caused by my accident.”

Some families are not as fortunate as the McFarlanes. In some cases, premiums will be more expensive. This is due to the fact that, effective Jan. 1, 2014, there will be no more medical underwriting, according to HealthCare.gov. This will allow those who need health care to get the appropriate coverage. The 10 minimum essential benefits will be covered under all of the plans, according to HealthCare.gov.

“Our insurance will quadruple when Obamacare is put into action. That is really stressful for my parents, as I’m sure it is for many other families,” freshman Jordyn Seal said. “I also understand that some families’ insurance costs went down, but all I can relate (to) is that ours went up and it could potentially be a real struggle for my family.”

Some people will be able to earn an exemption from Obamacare. Those who are eligible for Medicaid, Medicare or Tricare will not have to obtain Obamacare. People who have qualified coverage or coverage through an employer can also earn an exemption. If insurance is not obtained by Jan. 1, 2014, a penalty will be assessed.

“If an adult does not have coverage they will have to pay a tax penalty of one percent of the household income or $95 a month, whichever is greater. Children will be half the cost of adults,” Ritter said.

Supporters say the goal of Obamacare is to make health care available to everyone, though some do not know what the law will do.

“To be honest, I don’t know how the Affordable Care Act will impact patients yet,” doctor Christian Lige said. “I think in the grand scheme of things people will have health care and everybody will be able to go out and get the help they need. Hopefully it will save money in the long run. We have to wait and see how everything turns out.”

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