Affordable Health Coverage: Just a Click or Call AwayBy Susan Johnson January 14, 2015
We are all just one accident or unexpected diagnosis away from needing health insurance. Yet, for generations, millions of Americans have found that quality coverage is out of reach … until now. Quality health coverage is available, thanks to the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Whether you’re renewing your coverage from the last Open Enrollment or signing up for the first time, you may be surprised at what you can find. Here in Alaska, about 80 percent of current consumers can find coverage through the Marketplace for as little as $100 a month or less, thanks to financial assistance that lowers the cost of a monthly premium. Make no mistake, this is quality health coverage. All Marketplace plans are guaranteed to cover a set of benefits, like annual visits to your doctor, prescription medications, hospital stays, maternity and newborn care, and certain preventive services. Insurance companies can no longer impose an annual cap on your health benefits. They can’t deny you coverage simply because you get sick, have a medical condition, or you made a mistake on your paperwork. And, you can’t get charged more for your coverage just because you happen to be a woman. So, if you don’t have coverage, I encourage you to find in-person assistance in your community at getcoveredalaska.org or at localhelp.healthcare.gov or by calling 2-1-1. Open Enrollment runs through February 15, 2015, so there’s still time to enroll! Now is the time to come back. Most new customers will find an application that’s much simpler and more intuitive. If you’re a returning customer, you’ll discover that most of the application fields are already filled out for you, using your account information. There are five steps for renewing your coverage: review your plan, update your information (including your household income), compare your current plan with others available in your area (you may find that there is a better or less expensive plan so don’t skip this step), choose the plan that best fits your budget and health needs, and enroll. There is still time. You may have the chance to save some money while obtaining the security and peace of mind that come with quality, affordable health coverage – but you’ll want to act soon. Make 2015 the year you purchase health insurance for yourself and your family. It’s the best resolution you can make and an easy one to keep! Don’t delay, call 2-1-1 today! Susan Johnson Received January 09, 2015 - Published January 15, 2015
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