Do you have questions about health insurance? Are you feeling overwhelmed by the options for health insurance and not sure where to go for help? Below, we provide information about two important dates for insurance this year and discuss our free Navigator service.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare is for those that are age 65 or over, are disabled or in end stage renal failure. Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 through December 7 each year. During that time consumers have several options to make changes, enroll and dis-enroll in certain coverages. Click here out for detailed information.
Marketplace Open Enrollment
The Health Insurance Marketplace offers private insurance plans for consumers needing health coverage. Marketplace coverage is for individuals and families that meet a certain income category and are not offered health coverage through an employer. This year’s Marketplace Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through December 15 and will become effective in 2018. This enrollment period is shorter compared to years past.
There have been several changes with plan choices available through the marketplace so it is to your benefit to check out all of your options. Depending on family income there are tax credits that help offset the cost of the premium.
The website to enroll in Marketplace coverage is healthcare.gov or calling 800-318-2596. There are several look alike sites, so make sure you are using the registered site and numbers. Keep in mind that Marketplace representatives will not call you to solicit enrollment. You may receive email reminders and mailers about open enrollment if you already have an account at healthcare.gov.
Those with a lower family incomes may qualify for programs offered through the state like the Healthy Indiana Plan or Hoosier Healthwise. You can apply for these programs at any time throughout the year.
The Family Health Clinic’s Free Insurance Navigator Service
The Family Health Clinic has a free Navigator service to help simplify your options and offer assistance with the applications for health coverage. Our Navigators are not agents, and they do not sell health insurance. They are educators regarding health insurance choices through the Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid, and they can assist you in finding an insurance option that is right for you and your family. Our Navigators are also SHIP counselors that can assist with Medicare choices.
For more information about financial services click here, or to make an appointment with our Insurance Navigators, call (800) 321-5043!
