CompleteCare Health Network will once again be helping the community enroll in health insurance as the fourth year of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act begins on Nov. 1, 2016.
The 2016/2017 open enrollment period begins in November and runs through January 31, 2017. In this time period those who are uninsured can sign up for coverage and those with coverage can review their plans or choose a new one. The ability to sign up for insurance is only available in this short window, so people are encouraged to schedule appointments early.
“There are very limited exceptions for people to sign up outside of open enrollment window,” said Kimberly Tweed, Director of Marketing and Development for CompleteCare. “If you sign up now you might miss your chance until the end of 2017 and you will be asked to pay the responsibility payment on your taxes. We encourage everyone to make an appointment, learn their options, and see what type of coverage they qualify for.”
About the Affordable Care Act
The ACA offers uninsured individuals and families the option to purchase health insurance through an online market 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 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
CompleteCare staff members 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 children, pregnant women, parents/caretaker relatives, single adults, and childless couples. Medicaid eligibility is based on family size and income level and charts outlining gross income guidelines can be found by visiting www.njfamilycare.org/income.aspx.
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. Additionally, CompleteCare Health Network accepts Medicaid at all of its locations, giving NJ FamilyCare patients access to superior healthcare for visits with primary care physicians, dentists, licensed clinical social workers, OB/GYNs and more.
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.
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