When it comes to figuring out your health insurance, it’s normal to have questions. That’s why we’ve answered some of the most important ones about Medicare enrollment and Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace below.
And if you have any further questions, the Family Health Clinic provides free health insurance assistance. Call (800) 321-5043 and select Option 1 to schedule an appointment.
What is Medicare?
According to medicare.gov, “Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 or older, some younger people with disabilities, people with End-Stage Renal Disease.”
When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
If you’re interested in Medicare, the Family Health Clinic Navigators can help you look at, open enrollment is from October 15th through December 7th. Another health insurance option is Medicaid, and enrollment for that is open anytime.
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 Marketplace insurance plans or Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Marketplace 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?
2023 Marketplace Open Enrollment starts on Monday, November 1, 2022 and lasts until December 15, 2022. Enrollment must be done during this time to qualify for coverage starting January 1, 2023.
Do I have to have health insurance?
According to HealthCare.gov, starting with the 2019 plan year (for which people filed 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 to avoid the penalty.
NOTE: Some states have individual health insurance mandates. Talk to us if you’re concerned.
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 four 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.
Ready to apply and enroll or have questions?
At the Family Health Clinic, we provide free health insurance assistance through video conferencing appointments and limited in-person appointments.
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 your options.
As Barb Hickner, Insurance Navigator and Certified Application Counselor at the Family Health Clinic says, “We empower community members to make informed insurance decisions by offering resources and education regarding their options and choices in an individual and personalized setting.”
Contact one of our Health Insurance Navigators at (800) 321-5043 and select Option 1 to schedule an appointment.
You can also visit healthcare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596 for more information.
