How do I sign up for Obamacare now that I care for Mother 24/7?
A little bit of background. Last year we moved my Mother and Step-Father from Florida. Even though they lived full time in Florida, they still owned a home in my state. My Step-Father had a stroke several years ago which ended his short term memory, my Mom needed to care for him until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease a few years ago. There was an "episode" where they became residents in a Memory facility. My Step-Father came down with C-Diff there and needed to stay while we brought Mom home thinking he would follow in a short time. I volunteered to care for them in their home here. Anyway, it took many months to get my Step-Father home. He went into rehab for a week when he finally got into the house. After a few days he developed an infection (he left rehab with this), back into the hospital, then again to rehab where he passed away. Anyway, to my question. I own a home in my state, but due to my home not having a full bathroom on lower level I opted to move into my Mom's home thinking it would be easier for her as, maybe, she would remember this home. I pay taxes on my own home, hire someone to mow the grass, look after it, etc. Since I am out of work, taking care of my Mom, I am 59 and am in need of healthcare. My brother set me up as paying taxes with a salary every month using Mom's estate money. He just started doing this this month. How do I sign up, qualify, etc. for healthcare? I have made a few calls to Marketplace but they are unable to give me a straight answer. I hope someone can direct me where I need to go.
You might try to contact a health insurance agent in your state and see if they can be of assistance. I know that Blue Cross Blue Shield actually had branches in shopping centers where you could go and a rep would apply online with you as you sit at their desk.
What the insurance agent can do is point out things about various policies, such as if you pay more for your monthly premium, your co-pays may be less. Or if you select a plan that has a low monthly payment, there could be high deductible, before coverage kicks in or you could have limited providers to chose from. There are so many things to consider. If you haven't had experience in surveying all of those issues and weighing the costs vs. benefits in selecting a plan, I would get a professional to help go through it with you.
I think there are certain times you can sign up, unless there is a major life event that allow you to sign up outside of the enrollment period. I'd ask for information on that as well.
pamstegma, thank you for your suggestion. My Mom did move back to her home state in which I have always lived, we sold her home in Florida as soon as Mom was back home and Step-Father was on his way. I would not qualify for Medicaid as my salary would be more than the limit, next year. My Mom doesn't qualify for it as well. Since I just got the "salary" I guess, I would qualify for Medicaid as there are only 5 months left in this year but I don't want that. I am wondering if I will get a penalty this year if I don't sign up now. That was my question. Again, Marketplace has no answers.
Just go on healthcare.gov and start filling out an application.
As for your house that is vacant, I hope you had notified your homeowner insurance carrier that no one is currently living in the house. Some carriers will accept that, some won't. It is best that your carrier knows in case there is broken water pipe, break in, fire, etc. because if the carrier isn't informed the place is vacant, the carrier might not cover for any damages. Or not say anything and hope for the best.
Since you are a paid caregiver, you might want to check with your Mother's homeowner's insurance carrier to see if she needs to place a "workman's comp" rider on her insurance just in case you get hurt. I don't know if this is required if a family member is a paid caregiver or not.
Hope everything works out for the best.