In 2014, nearly 1 million Floridians enrolled in a health insurance plan on HealthCare.gov. Under the Affordable Care Act, most Americans had to buy health insurance, or they would face a tax penalty. In these stories, Lottie Watts looked at outreach efforts, the lack of dental coverage under the law and enrollment through the federal marketplace by Floridians.
Pirates, Beads and Health Insurance
January 30, 2014 -- Gasparilla pirate fest is sort of Tampa’s version of Mardi Gras, at least when it comes to the beads, the parade and the partying. During last weekend’s parade, while the pirates and wannabe pirates were pitching beads to the crowd, some folks were trying to pitch “Obamacare.” Lottie Watts was there to see – in person – just how that effort went.
April 17, 2014 -- Going to the dentist may not be at the top of everyone’s list, but when offered some free dental care earlier this year, more than 1,500 eagerly showed up at Florida State Fairgrounds. Under the federal Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans are required to include dental care for children as an essential health benefit. That’s not the case for adults. Lottie Watts reports on the long lines of folks there for everything from cleanings and fillings to root canals.
Re-Enrolling for Insurance? Expect Change
November 13, 2014 – It’s the second year of open enrollment for health plans under the Affordable Care Act, and this year’s enrollment period begins Saturday and runs through Feb. 15. This morning, we’ll focus on that website which gave so many people trouble this time last year: HealthCare.gov. It’s the site that folks in Florida and 36 other states will use to buy a plan. Lottie Watts reports on one man in St. Petersburg who signed up last year, but has learned he’ll have to pick a new plan this year.
