9 msfocusmagazine.org income criteria,you mayqualifyforhelp to pay for medical insurance through the insurance marketplace. What has changed • The tax penalty for the “Individual Mandate” was essentially eliminated by zeroing out the amount of the penalty. Previously, if you did not have health insurance, thenyouwere assessed a fine anywhere from $695 - $2,085 (in 2017). For 2018, the penalty was set to $0 and therefore will not have any effect on anyone without medical insurance. • Anindividualcannotbediscriminatedagainst orrefused coverage because of a pre-existing condition such as MS. However, you might experience a waiting period of up to 12 months for coverage of that condition when enrolling in a medical insurance plan for the first time. If you currently or previously had coverage on a qualified medical plan,you can provide proof of coverage by requesting a Certificate of Coverage from your current or prior insurance carrier. • For certain employers, enforcements have set in and some employers are facing fines fornotcomplyingwiththelaw.AffordableCare Act provisions, like the Employer Mandate, Employer Reporting Requirements, and AffordabilityRequirements remain the same, but certain provisions are only now being enforced. Where to go if you are not insured You have three options: 1.) Get a medical insurance plan through the marketplace. Whether you use your state marketplace or the federal marketplace depends on what state you live in. The 2019 enrollment period runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2018. If you miss the Dec. 15 deadline, you cannot get insurance for 2019 unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. 2.) Contact a qualified insurance agent that sells individual plans. 3.) If you are eligible, you can go through Medicare. Keep in mind, there are some qualifying criteria, especially if you are under age 65. For example, if you are permanently disabled, and you have received Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, then the Social Security Administration may determine that you are eligible. Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2018. Prescription coverage If you have medical insurance, chances are your insurance plan covers a portion of the cost of MS drugs. Through a cost share arrangement, typically after you pay a co-pay, your insurance plan will cover the majority of the cost of your prescription. If you are changing insurance, it is highly advisable that you talk to your insurance carrier in advance to confirm they will cover the prescription that your doctor prescribes.