Elyrians need to know that the last day to sign up for
health insurance during this year’s enrollment period in the Health Insurance
Marketplace under the Affordable Care Act is March 31, 2014. You can
learn about your options and sign up at
HealthCare.gov and CuidadoDeSalad.gov.
If after reviewing the website you still need more information or would
like personal assistance, call the Marketplace hotline 24 hours per day at 1-800-318-2596. You can also get in-person assistance at one of two local Health and Enrollment Fairs
scheduled in Elyria sponsored by the Coalition for the Uninsured of Lorain
County and your City of Elyria Health Department.
The first Health and Enrollment Fair is scheduled for March 4, 2014 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Elyria City Health District Office – 202 Chestnut St. in Elyria. The second event is scheduled for March 5 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at Lorain County Community College – College Center, Room 114. To be able to enroll the day of the events, please remember to bring: your social security number; birth date; pay stubs (W-2 forms or Wage and Tax Statements); policy numbers for any current health insurance; and if applicable, information about health insurance available through your current employer.
The first Health and Enrollment Fair is scheduled for March 4, 2014 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the Elyria City Health District Office – 202 Chestnut St. in Elyria. The second event is scheduled for March 5 from 10:00am – 3:00pm at Lorain County Community College – College Center, Room 114. To be able to enroll the day of the events, please remember to bring: your social security number; birth date; pay stubs (W-2 forms or Wage and Tax Statements); policy numbers for any current health insurance; and if applicable, information about health insurance available through your current employer.
On the Marketplace site you can apply for and enroll in health insurance coverage that is right for you and your family. You can also compare health plans with similar coverage levels and learn if you qualify for help paying for health care costs through tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. This is system makes it easier for you to keep your coverage, even if income and employment changes make you ineligible for other programs like employer-sponsored insurance, private insurance tax credits, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
When
you fill out your application, you’ll find out if you can get lower costs on
monthly premiums or out-of-pocket costs, or get free or low-cost coverage. Most people who apply will qualify for lower
costs of some kind. You can save money
in the Marketplace three ways: (1) lower costs on your monthly premiums when
you enroll in a private health insurance plan; (2) you may qualify for lower
out-of-pocket costs for copayments, coinsurance and deductibles; (3) you or
your child may get free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s
Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Starting
in 2014, being sick won’t keep you from getting health coverage. An insurance company cannot turn you down or
charge you more because of your condition.
And depending on the plan you
choose, you may be able to keep your current doctor. When comparing plans, you will see a link to a
list of providers in each plan’s network.
If staying with your current doctor is important to you, check to see if
they are included before choosing a plan.
