We know there are many questions when it comes to figuring out your health insurance. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most important questions about the Health Insurance Marketplace below.

WHAT IS THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE?

The Marketplace helps uninsured individuals and families find health coverage.

When you fill out the Marketplace application, you will find out if you qualify for private insurance plans or Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

Private insurance plans – We’ll tell you if you qualify for lower costs based on your household size and income. If you don’t qualify for lower costs, you can still use Marketplace to buy insurance. Plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventative care.

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program –  These programs cover millions of families with limited income, disabilities, and other circumstances. If it looks like you qualify, we’ll help with the application and enrollment process.  Applications for this coverage can be completed at any time.

WHEN IS MARKETPLACE OPEN ENROLLMENT?

Marketplace Open Enrollment started November 1 and lasts until December 15, 2018.  Enrollment must be done during this time to qualify for coverage starting January 1, 2019.  

DO I HAVE TO HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE?

According to HealthCare.gov, starting with the 2019 plan year (for which you’ll file taxes in April 2020), the Shared Responsibility Payment no longer applies. (The payment is sometimes known as the health care “mandate” or “penalty.”) If you don’t have coverage during 2019 or later, you don’t need an exemption in order to avoid the penalty.

But, it’s incredibly important for you to have health insurance! No one plans to get sick or to be hurt, but you’ll like need medical care at some point. Health insurance helps to cover the costs and offers other benefits. Here are five reasons you’ll want health insurance, according to HealthCare.Gov.   

• Health insurance covers essential health benefits critical to maintaining your health and treating illness and accidents
• Health insurance protects you from unexpected, high medical costs.
• You pay less for covered in-network health care, even before you meet your deductible.
• You get free preventive care, like vaccines, screenings, and some check-ups, even before you meet your deductible.
• If you have a Marketplace plan or other qualifying health coverage through the plan year 2018, you don’t have to pay the penalty that people without coverage must pay.

READY TO APPLY AND ENROLL OR HAVE QUESTIONS?

At the Family Health Clinic, we provide free in-person assistance. Our Health Insurance Navigators help you explore your health insurance coverage options and assist in the enrollment process. Navigators do not sell insurance but will offer you information about the options you have.

Contact one of our Health Insurance Navigators below to schedule an appointment.

During Open Enrollment, we will also have a Health Insurance Navigator at various local libraries. See the schedule below:

You can also visit healthcare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 for more information.