If you are one of the approximately 160,000 Hoosiers who get their health insurance from healthcare.gov and receive a subsidy, the decision handed down yesterday is great news for you!

In 2010 the Affordable Care Act was passed. Federal subsidies to offset the cost of insurance premiums were (at that time) only going to be provided to states who set up their own exchanges. Many states feared the long term cost, the uncertainty, and other factors that could crop up and decided to rely on the Federal exchange. At first, those insureds were told they couldn’t receive the subsidies if their state didn’t set up their own exchange. That was changed and all Americans were told they qualified for the subsidies whether their state set up their own exchange or not. The states who set up their own exchange were angry that the states who chose not to set up theirs would still be allowed to receive the subsidies. What was the point to setting up theirs if other states would be allowed to get the benefit without putting in the work? The case went to the Supreme Court saying that extending those subsidies violated the wording of the law.  The Supreme Court’s decision yesterday basically said the wording was wrong, and all qualify.

This has been quite confusing and baffling to many.  The bottom line is this: Even if you live in a state that did not set up their own exchange, you will still receive your subsidy. The almost 160,000 Hoosiers must be grateful. While many oppose it even more so today than they did yesterday.

For specific questions, or a health insurance review, please contact Melanie Collicott, licensed health specialist at 765.446.8999