Enrollment in health plans offered through the Affordable Care Act is under way. Informational meetings are scheduled at IU Health Starke Hospital in the coming weeks to help navigate plan options. Participants can find out if insurance rates will be lower based on income and compare different options side-by-side. Several certified navigators will be on hand to answer questions and help prospective enrollees pick plans. On-site enrollment will also be available.
IU Health Starke Hospital Lead Navigator Monica Chapman says it’s important to know if you have a primary care physician before shopping on the marketplace for coverage. If you do, know what insurance plans offered through the marketplace they are accepting and what hospital affiliations they have. Chapman adds not signing up for coverage in 2015 will cost you either 2 percent of your income or $325 per person in your household. That rate drops to $162.50 per family member under the age of 18. Chapman adds it’s imperative that people have insurance.
In order for coverage to be in effect on Jan. 1, 2015, enrollment must be completed by Dec. 15. However, enrollment continues until Feb. 15.
Health Insurance Marketplace forums will take place in the IU Health Starke conference room on Tuesday, Nov. 25 from 3 until 6 p.m. CST and on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 8 a.m. until noon CST. Find more information by visiting www.Healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596.
