CompleteCare Health Network Offers ACA Enrollment Assistance

The third year of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is now underway, and once again CompleteCare Health Network is helping people get covered.
“Open enrollment ends Jan. 31, so now is the time for anyone who wants coverage in 2016 to call and schedule an appointment to get help,” said Jill Harris, Certified Application Counselor at CompleteCare. “We have staff at CompleteCare who can help with enrollment, which can make the whole process much easier and less stressful.”
About the Affordable Care Act
The ACA offers uninsured individuals and families the option to purchase health insurance through an online store called the Health Insurance Marketplace. All of the plans are required to have essential elements to them – items that must be covered at every level and in every plan, including prenatal care, prescription drugs, lab tests, pediatric services and more. Bronze plans can be chosen by consumers who wish to pay less for their monthly premium payments, but those plans may have more out of pocket costs for copays and associated fees when seeing a provider or having a test or procedure. Silver, gold and platinum plans are also available and as plan levels increase, monthly premiums increase and out of pocket costs decrease.
To help pay for the monthly premiums, many Americans will qualify for premium tax credits or cost sharing plans. Tax credits are given to consumers before they pay their costs, making health insurance premiums more affordable. Cost sharing plans are available in silver level plans and lower the amount of out-of-pocket costs for deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.
Qualifying for Medicaid
Certified application counselors can also help consumers determine if they qualify for NJFamilyCare, New Jersey’s Medicaid program. Through the expanded Medicaid program available in New Jersey, NJ FamilyCare is now available to more people, including children, pregnant women, parents/caretaker relatives, single adults and childless couples. Medicaid eligibility is based on family size and income level and charts outlining income guidelines can be found by visiting www.njfamilycare.org.
NJ FamilyCare is a great option for those with limited income as it provides them with free or low cost health insurance that covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, x-rays, lab tests, mental health services, dental and eyeglasses, prescriptions, preventative testing and regular check-ups.
Now is the Time to Get Covered
“For most people, open enrollment is the only time of year they’ll be able to get health insurance coverage,” said Harris. “Medicaid enrollment is available year-round. However, the marketplace closes Jan. 31 and enrollment will only be available for those with special circumstances like having a baby or moving to a new state after that date.”
Those who continue to go uncovered in 2016 will face a Shared Responsibility Payment of 2.5% of their household income or $695 per adult and $347.50 per child under 18; whichever is higher.
Enrollment assistance is available by calling 609-465-0258 or visiting www.CompleteCareNJ.org/ACA. More information is also available by visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596 to speak with an operator who can help enroll you in the marketplace by phone.