Healthcare Insurance Marketplace Open for Enrollment

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace began Nov. 15, 2014, and runs through Feb. 15, 2015. Consumers should visit HealthCare.gov to review and compare health plan options and find out if they are eligible for financial assistance. Some consumers may qualify for help with monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs for services. All consumers shopping for health insurance coverage for 2015— even those who currently have coverage through the Marketplace — should enroll or re-enroll between November 15 and December 15 in order to have coverage effective on Jan. 1, 2015.

To assist consumers, Grinnell Regional Medical Center has a certified application counselor available to anyone wanting assistance during the enrollment time. Amanda Bergmann, Certified Application Counselor (CAC), Grinnell Regional Public Health, is available for questions. To schedule an appointment with Bergmann about insurance, call 641-236-2567. GRMC does not sell insurance. The application counselor assists individuals as they review and complete the application online. Independent insurance agencies may sell insurance options available on the Marketplace in Iowa.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is working to improve the consumer experience by making the shopping experience easier. Last year, a consumer had to answer nine questions before being able to view their plan options. This year, consumers can start looking at plans after entering just their zip code. Consumers can answer a few simple questions relevant to them to get an estimate on how much financial assistance they may qualify for when shopping for coverage. The window shopping tool can be accessed through a smart phone or tablet. Consumers can also review their options at a more convenient time by emailing or sharing a link to a plan’s information. Premium estimates are more accurate this year due to more robust data in HealthCare.gov, such as rates adjusted for tobacco use, which are being included in the estimates provided by the tool.

For more information, individuals may contact the federally-facilitated Marketplace Call Center at 800-318-2596. TTY users should call 1-855-889-4325. Translation services are available. The call is free.  

To preview plans in your area, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/.

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