Hettler Insurance’s Ron Hettler Explains Some Of The Guidelines of Affordable Care Act [AUDIO]

On Tuesday's edition of Lubbock's First News, Ron Hettler from the Hettler Insurance Agency talked with Tom Collins and Laura Mac about the upcoming implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

On October 1st, a major portion of the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, will go into effect as open enrollment for the health insurance exchange will begin. Hettler said that, even though that enrollment date is just weeks away, there's still a lot about Obamacare that they don't know, including how much it will all cost. But, he did say one thing is for certain: everyone will be required to buy insurance one way or another, or pay the tax for not having it.

"Other states have some other options, but we just have two options [in Texas.] We're going to have to buy health insurance on an individual basis through your employer, or Medicaid. Or, pay a tax, and the tax is going to come out at the end of either you getting a refund or you're going to have to pay in a little bit if you haven't paid enough. But you're either going to have to pay a tax, or buy insurance."

Hettler went on to explain a few of the guidelines he was aware of regarding Obamacare. According to Hettler, anyone making under $11,000 a year will qualify for Medicaid coverage, and those making between $11,000 and $44,000 a year will qualify for a government subsidy to help pay for insurance. Finally, those making $44,000 and above will have to pay full price for insurance. Open enrollment in the exchange will last from October 1st to December 15th. Health coverage under those plans will not begin until 2014.

It's not just insurance and individuals affected by Obamacare; businesses have and will also be affected by the implementation. Hettler explained that any employer who has an employee that works 30 or more hours is required by law to pay for that employee's health coverage. He added that if a business also has over 50 employees, the employer must pay for health coverage as well.

Listen to the full interview with Ron Hettler here:

Have an iPad, iPhone, or Android device? Click the link below to download the interview to listen on your mobile device.

Ron Hettler Interview 09/03/13

Be sure and tune in to Lubbock's First News with Tom Collins and Laura Mac weekday morning from 6 AM to 8:30 AM on NewsTalk 790 KFYO and online at KFYO.com.