TMA’s “Hey, Doc” a Good Resource for Your ACA Marketplace Questions

More than 730,000 Texans have purchased health insurance coverage through the new Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance marketplace. Since April, many people have used their coverage for the first time but don’t understand what they purchased, what it covers, or how to use it. They are confused. Texas physicians want to help clear up the confusion through its “Hey, Doc” educational campaign.

Last fall the Texas Medical Association (TMA) launched “Hey, Doc” to provide answers to patients’ most frequently asked questions about the ACA marketplace. TMA answered 32 questions in the six-month series.

As the confusion continues, many of the “Hey, Doc” Q&As, such as the five below, are more relevant today than when first published.

1. What will my marketplace health insurance cover?
2. What will it cost me to use this insurance?
3. What are deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments?
4. My doctor can’t get a straight answer from my insurance company. How do I know if I can use my insurance?
5. What if my doctor isn’t in my marketplace health plan after all?