Open Enrollment Starts Tuesday for Healthcare Exchanges

Posted on November 1, 2016
Author Tyler Maffitt, WKVI

Open enrollment on the Affordable Care Act exchange starts Tuesday, and local medical service groups are providing assistance for those looking to shop their options.

The sign-up period takes place between November 1st, 2016 and January 31st, 2017. As in past years, a majority of those enrolled on the exchanges are expected to receive financial assistance.

The federal government uses household income to determine who is eligible for any insurance subsidies, or even Medicaid. Starke County Health Department Nurse Frank Lynch says their department can give vaccinations to those on Medicaid, those who still don’t have insurance, or those whose insurance does not cover the vaccine.

“We don’t need any documentation that your insurance doesn’t cover it or there is no documentation whether you have insurance or not,” says Lynch. “So basically it’s all we need. If you have insurance and it covers vaccinations, then you need to go through your healthcare provider.”

Aid often includes tax credits to help pay for premiums, or discounts on co-pays and deductibles. Those without health insurance will pay a penalty – either 2.5% of family income, or a pre-determined flat rate. Lynch says they typically don’t see a big influx of patients during open enrollment periods.

“We had a lot of people that call in regards to: will my insurance cover it? Well we don’t do any insurance billing here at the health department,” says Lynch. “Then what I would recommend in regards to adults or anyone with insurance for their children or anything like that, 9 and up, they can be done at a local pharmacy, Walgreen’s or CVS.”

Those interested in searching their options, however, will have access to certified assisters. They are available at Starke Hospital. Appointments can help assess coverage needs and pricing, and are available by calling 855-400-2045. Residents can also receive help filling out the application for insurance.

This is the fourth annual campaign to extend health coverage to more than 13-million Americans. Individuals who are re-enrolling are encouraged to find the best option for them. Comparing plans can, many times, save individuals money from year-to-year.

Insurance providers cannot deny individuals based on a pre-existing condition.