Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is first to give Michigan consumers the ability to determine eligibility for ACA subsidies through text messaging

DETROIT, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan residents who are uninsured or exploring their health insurance options under the Affordable Care Act now can send a text message to determine their eligibility for subsidies to help them pay part of their premiums, thanks to a new program launched exclusively today by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

"Uninsured individuals earning up to $45,960 a year and families of four with household income up to $94,200 may qualify for subsidies to offset their health insurance premiums," said Terry Burke, vice president for individual business at BCBSM.  "Determining your subsidy eligibility and amount is a first step in choosing health coverage under the ACA, and Blue Cross is pleased to offer this service to help people know what subsidy they may be eligible to receive."

Beginning in 2014, under the ACA, all Americans are required to have health coverage or pay a tax penalty. The ACA sets out subsidies to help lower- and middle-income people pay their premiums. In an effort to guide and educate consumers as to whether they are eligible for financial assistance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has launched "Text for Subsidy," a program to allow consumers to receive subsidy estimates via text message.

"It's important to know your subsidy – even if you're not eligible," Burke said.  "People not eligible for subsidies can enroll directly through health insurers like Blue Cross, avoiding the challenges consumers have faced on healthcare.gov."

Individuals and families not eligible for subsidies can enroll in a qualified health plan by calling a Blue Cross health plan advisor at 855-892-8089.  People also can enroll through licensed health insurance agents. People eligible for subsidies must enroll through healthcare.gov – either online, over the phone or by submitting a paper application, and Blue Cross health plan advisors can help consumers through this process.

Under Blue Cross' "Text for Subsidy" program, people can text "4Subsidy" to 222-752 to initiate a back and forth exchange, detailing their eligibility.  Normal data plan charges will apply.  The consumer will be asked to provide their zip code, age, income and number of dependents.  Blue Cross will respond with whether or not they are eligible for a subsidy.

Individuals and families with incomes at or below 133% of Federal Poverty Level will be alerted of possible eligibility for Medicaid.  BCBSM also offers an online subsidy estimator.

The premium tax subsidy is based on an individual's 2012 reported income and family size to the IRS. Once the subsidy has been established, individuals can apply the credit in several ways:

• Apply none of it to the monthly premiums, and receive the lump sum as a tax credit at the end of the year.
• Apply all of it to the monthly premiums to lower the amount paid each month.
• Apply some of it to the monthly premiums to lower the premium, and get the rest as a tax credit.  This option helps to avoid owing the government if your income increases during the year.

Those eligible for subsidies are within the following income levels:

BCBSM is the only health insurance company to offer ACA-compliant health plans in all 83 Michigan counties.  Many are among the lowest-priced health plans available. BCBSM health plan advisors are available at 855-892-8089 to guide consumers through the process and provide the best options for their health care needs, and encourage those not eligible for a subsidy to enroll now in a new ACA compliant health plan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information visit www.bcbsm.com/news and www.mibluesperspectives.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan