It’s that time of year! Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace (healthcare.gov) began Nov. 1, and continues through Jan. 31, 2016.
“This is a busy time, so we’re encouraging people from throughout our communities to enroll early,” said Robbie Nicol, Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC), executive director of community outreach and philanthropy.
To help, YRMC and Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) are collaborating to provide enrollment assistance as a free community service. Certified Application Counselors (CACs) from both organizations are available to help enroll people in Health Insurance Marketplace health plans that work for their families. They’re also able to assist people applying for AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid.
CACs from both organizations are scheduling appointments for application assistance:
YRMC West – Prescott
By appointment: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 928-771-5108 1003 Willow Creek Road Prescott, Arizona 86301 YRMC East – Prescott Valley By appointment: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 928-442-8187 or (928) 759-5960 7700 E. Florentine Road Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314 |
YCCHS – Prescott
By appointment: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 928-442-5208 1090 Commerce Drive Prescott, Arizona 86305 YCCHS – Prescott Valley By appointment: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 928-442-5208 3212 Windsong Drive Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314
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In 2016, the penalties for not carrying health insurance coverage have increased. People who don’t enroll by Jan. 31, 2016, could receive a penalty of $695 for every adult in the family and $347.50 for every child or 2.5 percent of their annual income, whichever is most significant.
“It’s also good to remember the advantages of health coverage,” Nicol said. “Every Health Insurance Marketplace plan is required to include what are called ‘essential benefits.’ These are the basic requirements and many plans also offer additional benefits.”
Those essential benefits include:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Chronic disease management
- Preventive and wellness services
- Doctor visits
- Outpatient services
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Laboratory services
- Rehabilitation services and devices
- Pregnancy, maternity
and newborn care - Pediatric services with
dental and vision - Mental health and substance use disorder services
- Behavioral health treatment
For people who enroll in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan by Dec. 15, 2015, coverage will begin Jan. 1, 2016.
“We think that would be an excellent way to start the New Year,” Nicol said.
Other key application dates include:
- 15, 2016 – People who enroll in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan by this date will receive coverage beginning Feb. 1, 2016.
- 31, 2016 – For those who enroll the last day of open enrollment, coverage will start March 1, 2016.
“The important thing is that residents of western Yavapai County know there is expert assistance available to help throughout open enrollment,” said Nicol. QCBN
By Bridget O’Gara