Services

Congressional Update

Cuellar meets with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association at the U.S. Capitol 

Later that day, I addressed the American Pizza Community, regarding issues of concern for our small businesses, including how the partisan gridlock in Washington is affecting small business just like theirs all over the country. Bipartisanship is essential to accomplishing tasks and we must work together to tackle the big issues affecting us all.

Congressman Cuellar addresses members of the American Pizza Community

                      
Each week I will be giving you an update on some of the provisions of the Affordable Care Act. Reforming our health care system is an invaluable opportunity to make health care more affordable. It is important that I educate my constituents on the good things that have already happened since the passing of the Affordable Care Act, as well as, prepare for the upcoming Health Insurance Marketplace.

Starting this fall, consumer-friendly marketplaces will enable families and individuals who are insured and uninsured the ability to purchase affordable coverage. Over the next couple of months I will be working with my office on making sure you are ready to enroll in the new health insurance Marketplace—SAVE THE DATE: October 1, 2013.
 
I will be hosting workshops, tele-townhalls, and other various outreach activities to make sure you have all the tools and are ready to have affordable, quality and accessible health care.

Below is a checklist provided by www.healthcare.gov that outlines 7 things individuals and families can do to get ready now:

1. Learn about different types of health insurance. Through the Marketplace, you’ll be able to choose a health plan that gives you the right balance of costs and coverage.

2. Make a list of questions you have before it’s time to choose your health plan. For example, “Can I stay with my current doctor?” or “Will this plan cover my health costs when I’m traveling?”

3. Make sure you understand how insurance works, including deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, etc. You’ll want to consider these details while you’re shopping around. Visit Insurance Basics to learn more about how insurance works.

4. Start gathering basic information about your household income. Most people will qualify to get a break on costs, and you’ll need income information to find out how much you’re eligible for.

5. Set your budget. There will be different types of health plans to meet a variety of needs and budgets, and breaking them down by cost can help narrow your choices.

6. Find out from your employer whether they plan to offer health insurance, especially if you work for a small business.

7. Explore current options. You may be able to get help with insurance now, through existing programs or changes that are in effect already from the new health care law. Use our resources to get information about health insurance for adults up to age 26, children in families with limited incomes (CHIP), and Medicare for people who are over 65 or have disabilities.

Finally I would like to invite you to our next webinar series on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 9:00amCT. The webinar is free of cost and it will provide an overview of the American Community Survey (ACS), Tables and Key Data Products. Visit my website cuellar.house.gov for additional info. 

Sincerely,

                                 

Congressman Henry Cuellar

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