Affordable Care Act enrollment kicks-off How did the first day fare?

Saturday was the first day of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act and with last year’s roll out riddled with problems ABC-7 wanted to know how everything went this time around.

People ABC-7 spoke with Saturday say they were concerned about enrollment problems they had heard about last year but once they started, they say it went pretty well.

“Well we were here probably a year and a half ago and it was horrible. Everything was bad,” said Jimmy Nevarez.

A lot of people walking in the doors of the San Vicente clinic said the same thing
but organizers say the last open enrollment period was different.

“The problem is that we did it at the end of the enrollment period so we had to close the doors and we had to turn away hundreds,” said Dr. Jose Luna, CEO of San Vicente clinic.

Another problem in the past: technical issues.

During the last enrollment period the website shut down.

This time around?
“I was paying close attention to their computers and it well swell. Everything went perfect,” said Nevarez.

On this day 30 navigators were on hand to assist anyone interested in getting health insurance.

Nevarez walked out with a completely new experience.

“Basically you walked in and they took care of you right away. It was real nice they walked us through it, took us upstairs and took good care of us,” said Nevarez.

Other people ABC-7 spoke with said the enrollment process was pretty easy.

“It’s not that difficult. It’s mostly your personal information,” said Nellie Ponce.

“It’s rather simple, if they bring the documents that are required it takes 30 to 45 minutes to enroll. Not necessarily get enrolled but tell you if you’re qualified,” said Luna.

Organizers tell ABC-7 the only documents needed are a form of ID and proof of employment.

If you make more than $11,670 and you don’t have any other health care coverage- you have to get covered.

For a household with two people it’s about $15,000 and for three it’s $19,000.

People who make less than $11,670 are exempt and will not be penalized for not signing up.

If you do qualify and don’t sign up there is a penalty and the cost is expected to increase over the next few years going up to $325 when you file your 2015 taxes in 2016.

“For those people on the fence, sooner or later we are going to need some type of healthcare(insurance). Having insurance allows us to get the care that we need. Without insurance we are left out in the cold,” said Nevarez.

Of course, the Affordable Care Act still has its critics.

Some of them point to things like high deductibles for some of the cheapest plans.

Open enrollment continues until February 15th.

There are places around town where you can get help checking if you qualify for a policy.

Here is the link

https://www.healthcare.gov