CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa Medical Center is helping area residents learn about the Health Insurance Marketplace and enroll in affordable plans.
“As a primary health provider in Okaloosa County, we want 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 David Fuller, CEO of North Okaloosa Medical Center.
ONE-ON-ONE HELP
The Marketplace offers U.S. citizens access to affordable health insurance. Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for financial assistance from the government — subsidies — toward the cost of the premium.
All Marketplace health plans must offer comprehensive benefits, and individuals cannot be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition.
Health benefits include preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services and pediatric services, among others.
“During the next few months, we’ll be going out in the community to educate consumers, hosting in-hospital events, and meeting one-on-one to help these individuals find affordable coverage for themselves and their family," Fuller said. “With many people in our community lacking access to a computer or having difficulty enrolling on the government’s website, our application counselors can help.
"We can (help) individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance.”
MEDICAID
In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
In some states, the program covers all low-income adults below a certain income level.
“Even though Florida has chosen not to expand Medicaid, there are still many individuals in our community who qualify for Medicaid coverage,” Fuller 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 help to lower the cost of health insurance, North Okaloosa Medical Center application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with the sign-up process.
Need help? Call 689-8170 to make an appointment to meet with an application counselor.
DID YOU KNOW?
As part of the Affordable Care Act, most U.S. citizens must have health insurance.
If you can afford health insurance in 2015, but don’t sign up, you may have to pay a penalty ($325 per adult; $162.50 per child— up to $975 per family or 2 percent of family income, whichever is higher).
And, without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all your medical costs.
BY THE NUMBERS
During the first enrollment wave, October 2013 through March, almost 10 million uninsured individuals enrolled in a Marketplace plan.
Still, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured.
Learn more about the Health Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa Medical Center helps residents sign up for health insurance