CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa Medical Center can help area residents learn about, and enroll in, health insurance options on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
The marketplace offers access to affordable health insurance coverage. Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for government financial assistance — or subsidies — toward the premium and other financial obligations, like co-pays or deductibles.
All Marketplace health plans 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 more.
Open enrollment for health coverage is Nov. 1 through Jan. 31, 2016, and help is available now.
"As a primary health provider in Okaloosa County, our goal is to help educate residents in an easy-to-understand way, as well as assist those who haven't yet signed up for health insurance or Medicaid, if qualified," said Ronnie Daves, North Okaloosa Medical Center's CEO. "During the next few months, we'll be out in the community and meeting one on one to help these individuals find affordable coverage."
Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. NOMC can assist with this program, too.
"While Florida has not expanded Medicaid, government subsidies to help citizens obtain coverage are available, depending on income and other qualifications," Daves said. "We can help screen these individuals and, if they qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately."
Though a major function of www.healthcare.gov is assessing whether individuals and families qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of health insurance, NOMC's application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with enrollment and re-enrollment.
Call 689-8170 if you would like to make an appointment for enrollment or re-enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace, or Medicaid assistance.
DID YOU KNOW?
●Most U.S. citizens were required to have health insurance beginning in 2014, as part of the Affordable Care Act.
●Since the ACA's passage five years ago, about 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage. However, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured.
●The penalty fee for not having insurance increased this year. If you can afford health insurance coverage in 2016, but don't sign up, you may have to pay a penalty ($695 per adult; $347.50 per child — up to $2,085 per family or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is higher).
You have to pay the fee on the federal income tax return you file. And, without insurance, you're responsible for all of your medical costs.
● "With many people not having access to a computer, or having difficulty maneuvering on the government website, our application counselors can help individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance," said Ronnie Daves, North Okaloosa Medical Center's CEO. "We'll also help with re-enrollment."
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview hospital offers free Health Insurance Marketplace assistance