While the federal government is shutdown as House Republicans attempt to defund the Affordable Care Act, that law (popularly known as Obamacare) is now fully operational.
That means, among other things, Michigan residents can now shop for coverage using the federal exchange, known as Health Insurance Marketplace.
Crain's Detroit Business: Many of those uninsured also earn too little to purchase health insurance in today's current market. Some, of course, especially the "young and invincible" just choose to roll the dice and hope they don't get seriously sick or injured.
Today and over the next six months of open enrollment, you have a chance to check out the prices, the benefits and the relative ease of shopping for health insurance online.
Or you can continue what you are doing, include being uninsured, and next April pay a $95 fine on your 2013 tax form for not having a health insurance policy.
In New York, Obamacare has already triggered a steep decline in insurance prices for 2014 according to that state's insurance regulators.
New York Times: State insurance regulators say they have approved rates for 2014 that are at least 50 percent lower on average than those currently available in New York. Beginning in October, individuals in New York City who now pay $1,000 a month or more for coverage will be able to shop for health insurance for as little as $308 monthly. With federal subsidies, the cost will be even lower.
