Health Insurance Marketplace Opened Novemeber 1st
11/15/2017
Crestwood Medical Center again offering free application assistance
If you need help comparing plans or filling out an application on the Health Insurance Marketplace, Crestwood Medical Center once again is offering free assistance during open enrollment, Nov. 1, 2017 – Dec. 15, 2017.
Appointments may be made with the hospital’s certified assisters by calling 256-429-4842, or can be booked online: www.GetCoveredAmerica.org/connector.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was passed in 2010, and this year’s open enrollment marks the fifth annual campaign to extend healthcare coverage to citizens who otherwise might remain uninsured. More than 12 million people enrolled in Marketplace plans for 2017.
One change to take note of this year is the shorter open enrollment period. The 2018 open enrollment period closes on Dec. 15, which is 45 days shorter than last year’s open enrollment.
Premiums have risen significantly this year, but the premium increases may not affect all plans. This makes it more important than ever to shop around. Reports indicate the majority of enrollees will be insulated from premium increases, since eight in 10 receive subsidies based on income/household size. (As premiums rise, subsidies increase.)
Any changes to premiums or deductibles will vary widely state-to-state, and in some instances, even county-to-county, since the number of insurers in each location influences competitive pricing, and insurers continuously enter and exit different markets.
Majority of enrollees will receive assistance
To help make health insurance affordable, the government uses household income to determine who is eligible for financial assistance. This aid might include advanced tax credits to help pay for premiums, or discounts on co-pays and deductibles. As in past years, a majority of enrollees are expected to qualify for some type of financial support in 2018. Individuals who are re-enrolling on the marketplace are encouraged to re-evaluate and compare plans, as the lowest-cost option can change from year to year.
All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition. Some of the health benefits include free preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services, and mental and behavioral health treatment.
Penalties
Individuals who are eligible for health insurance but do not purchase coverage not only pay a penalty when filing their tax return, but also they forfeit financial help with healthcare expenses throughout the year. The penalty is either 2.5% of family income or a predetermined flat rate, whichever is higher. The 2016 penalty was $695 per adult, $347.50 per child, with a maximum fee of $2,085; these fees will be adjusted for inflation in 2018.
About Crestwood Medical Center
Crestwood Medical Center is a community healthcare provider with a 180-bed full-service acute care hospital offering the latest medical advancements and surgical and diagnostic procedures while providing compassionate care.
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