Open Enrollment has begun! Open Enrollment is the time every year when people can apply for insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at www.healthcare.gov. If you do not have health insurance through your job, and cannot get insurance through Medicaid or otherprograms, now is the time to #GetCovered! This year’s Open Enrollment period is short– November 1st to December 15. Spread the word, and make sure to sign up while you can!
Health insurance plans are available for many types of people, including people with disabilities, mental health conditions, chronic illnesses, and pre-existing conditions. If you have had a major life change, like having a baby, you may qualify for an ACA plan as well.
You may have heard things in the news lately about short term coverage plans. These junk insurance plans are not required to cover anyone with a pre-existing condition, and don’t cover many basic medical needs. This year, the Trump administration is allowing states to sell these plans on the exchanges. Make sure that your plan is an ACA plan that covers all of the treatments you need.
ACA plans cover many services, including:
- Doctor’s visits
- Emergency room visits
- Treatment in the hospital
- Care before and after a baby is born
- Mental health services and substance use disorder services
- Your prescription drugs
- Ongoing care for injuries, disabilities and chronic conditions
- Lab tests
- Preventative services
- Pediatric services
Most people qualify for financial help. When you apply for insurance, the form will ask you to enter your income and the number of people in your household. It will tell you your estimated savings based off of that information.
You can sign up for a plan under the Affordable Care Act by going to healthcare.gov before December 15.
If you need help understanding what plan is best for you, free help is available in over 200 languages at 1-800-318-2596. To find free help locally, click here and enter your zipcode.We are giving you the facts, and asking you to share those facts with others, so that everyone who needs insurance understands how to get it. If you need health insurance, now is the time to sign up! If you know someone who needs health insurance, help them apply. No matter what, please spread the word, so that everyone who needs to can #getcovered!