2019 Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment
Enrollment for 2019 Opens November 1
BURLINGTON – The 2019 open enrollment period for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) is taking place November 1, 2018 until December 15, 2018.
Many features of the ACA still remain in place for 2019. Financial help with premiums and cost-sharing (help with out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays and deductibles) are still available to consumers. People with pre-existing conditions cannot be denied coverage, and young adults can stay on their parent’s plan until they turn 26. All insurance plans on the Marketplace must cover doctor visits, prescription drugs, emergency room visits and hospital stays, birth control and pregnancy care, and treatment for mental illness or substance abuse.
All consumers, new and renewing, should return to the Health Insurance Marketplace during Open Enrollment to explore their options and enroll in health coverage. Plans and prices change every year, but it is important to make sure the plan you had in 2018 is still right for 2019.
April Durr, Director of Community Impact for United Way of Alamance County and a member of the ACA Workgroup, stated, “with the shorter open enrollment period this year, it is important for people to set up an appointment with a navigator soon if they need help signing up for health insurance. Getting people insured at a price their family can afford meets United Way’s goal to increase access to health care.” It is necessary to act early and meet with a navigator if you need assistance.
Free, LOCAL and trained in-person assistance is available to help people understand their options and enroll in coverage. Assistance is also available through other agencies representing the ACA Workgroup: Legal Aid Navigators are offering appointments at the Family Justice Center, Piedmont Health has appointments available at their Community Health Centers, and appointments are available at the Health Department. Trained personnel can guide consumers through the application process and answer questions they may have about the Marketplace. Please visit www.getcoveredamerica.org/connector to schedule an appointment with a local assister or contact one of the local resources.
Misty Drake, Chief Operating Officer of Piedmont Health Services stated “we are committed to servicing all residents in Alamance and other counties. A person does not need to be a Piedmont Health patient to receive this free service. Don’t wait, schedule an appointment soon.”
For more information about the ACA, go to www.healthcare.gov.
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