It’s Open Enrollment Time!

Over Thanksgiving, check in with your friends and family to make sure everyone knows that health coverage is available for those who don’t have it. Here are some simple messages to share to make sure everyone knows about health coverage options available through the Marketplace and Medicaid. 

• Low-cost plans
• Free, in-person help
• Financial help available

See below for more information about how to get covered, and have a happy Thanksgiving!

If You Had Coverage Last Year:

If you signed up for coverage through the Marketplace last year, you need to renew or possibly change your coverage for this upcoming year.

• Visit www.healthcare.gov. On the home page, click the button “Log In to Keep/Change Plan”
• Update your family and income information.
• Compare plans offered this year in the Marketplace with the plan you had last year.  You may find a plan that offers better coverage, lower premiums or co-pays, or more financial help. Consider a silver level plan because if your income is under 250% of the Federal Poverty Level it can provide help with deductibles and co-pays.
• If you need help deciding between your previous plan and a new one you can get free, in- person enrollment assistance. Visit www.uhcanohio.org/enrollmenthelp to find a local assister.

If You Need Health Coverage:

If your employer doesn’t offer health coverage that meets federal standards or if you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you can enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace through January 31, 2016. If you want your coverage to start on January 1, 2016, you need to select and pay your first month’s premium by December 15, 2015. Some insurance companies might accept payment up to the end of the month. If you make around $16,000 a year as an individual or $33,000 a year as a family of 4, visit www.benefits.ohio.gov to see if you qualify for Medicaid.

• Visit www.healthcare.gov. On the homepage, click “Take the first step to apply”.
• If you’re new to buying health coverage, click here to get 5 tips about the Health Insurance Marketplace.
• Enter “Ohio” as your state, and either start your application by clicking “Apply” or check out what plans are being offered and their prices first by clicking “Plans and Prices”.
• Remember that 8 in 10 Ohioans qualify for financial help that lowers your monthly health insurance costs and some Ohioans even qualify for help paying out-of-pocket costs. Click here to do a quick check to see if you qualify for financial help.
• When comparing plans, first consider a silver level plan in order to maximize your financial help if you qualify. Second, pay close attention to what the premium, deductible, and co-pay is for each plan. A higher deductible plan may have a lower premium, but that means your out-of-pocket costswhenever you see the doctor may be more expensive.
• If you need help choosing the best plan for you, in person enrollment assistance is available. Visitwww.uhcanohio.org/enrollmenthelp to find a local assister.

UHCAN Ohio is here to help you with your enrollment needs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at 614-456-0060 x233.