PORTSMOUTH – It’s open enrollment time for people seeking health insurance for themselves and their families through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and while the paperwork seems daunting, there is people ready to help.
Mary Moynihan of Goodwin Health and Susan Turner of Families First are certified application counselors whose job it is to learn about and understand any changes this year that are important to those seeking health insurance through The Marketplace (healthcare.gov). Both agencies are part of Greater Seacoast Community Health and are ready and willing to help both patients in the healthcare group and anyone else in the general public who may feel overwhelmed.
Open enrollment for the federal market ends January 15, 2023, but people must enroll by December 12, 2022 if they want coverage starting the first of the year. They can still enroll later, but their coverage will start later, depending on when they enroll.
After:Rochester Share Fund, Revival Day of Hope wants people to know they are here to help
The two advisers are also keen to remind those who are already signed up that it is important to take the time each year to evaluate the offers for the coming year and see if a different plan might be better for you or less expensive.
“Mary and I have been doing ACA registrations since the program started 10 years ago,” Turner said. “We are seeing a lot of turnover. But before re-enrolling, it is important that people review their coverage and make sure it is still correct for them. The tax credits they get can lower their premiums. “
Moynihan said the plan someone signed up for in 2022 might not be the exact same plan this year and that’s why it’s important to review plans every year.
“It’s the same as your insurance if you get it through your job,” Moynihan said. “People tend to let it roll and they really should review it every year. We do it for you and it can help you. We look at everything. For example, Anthem is coming in very aggressively this year. If it’s assisted by a lawyer, you have a better chance of getting the coverage you need, at the best price.”
Those seeking ACA coverage can apply to the government health. Maine residents should go through the state market at coverme.gov. Each site also offers registration advocates to help with applications.
One of the biggest changes this year that people should be aware of is that the “family problem” has been fixed, which will reduce the cost of insurance for many people and more people will be eligible for insurance. TO THAT.
This year, for the first time, family members of an employee who obtains health insurance through their employer can choose a federally funded Affordable Care Act market plan instead. . To qualify, the cost of an employer’s family plan must exceed 9.1% of the family’s household income. Prior to this year, eligibility was based on the cost of an employer’s individual plan, which is often less expensive than a family plan.
“What this problem meant in the past was this: If a person got health insurance through their employer, who could offer a family plan, then the person couldn’t go to healthcare.gov and get health care credits. ‘tax,'” Turner said. “If they were self-employed, they had to meet the eligibility criteria to enroll their family in their plan. People need it to be able to go to the doctor or get a shot. It’s a right that should be for everyone the world.”
From the garden to the table:Ciao Italia host plants the seed to grow, cook your own vegetables
Turner said fixing this problem would result in potentially significant savings for those affected by this ancient problem.
“We can help people find out if it can help their family,” Moynihan said. “It’s a huge piece this year, one of the things we can compare to the ACA. We all know that adding family to insurance plans is ridiculously expensive, so if we can find savings for someone, that’s what we’re passionate about, what we want to do for you.Tax credits can make family plans affordable.Even if you’re not sure if you qualify, come talk to us.
Moynihan said they would help anyone who came to them. She said they see a great need among immigrant and refugee populations, many of whom do not have a primary care physician to counsel them.
“Health insurance is complicated and we can help educate those who don’t understand what’s available to them.” said Turner.
Turner can be reached at Families First at 603-422-8208, ext. 3188. Moynihan, in Goodwin, can be reached at 603-516-2556. They are waiting for your call.
#navigate #ACA #health #insurance #market