Commonwealth Health to Help Consumers Sign Up for Health Insurance Coverage
11/3/2014
Beginning Nov. 15, Commonwealth Health will help area residents learn about and enroll in health insurance options on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
As part of the Affordable Care Act, most U.S. citizens are required to have health insurance beginning in 2014. During the first enrollment wave, which began last October and ended in March, nearly 10 million uninsured individuals enrolled in a Marketplace plan. Yet, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured.
“As a primary health provider in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we want to help educate residents in an easy-to-understand way, as well as assist those who haven’t yet signed up for health insurance or Medicaid, if qualified,” Cor Catena, CEO of Commonwealth Health, said. “During the next few months, we will be going out in the community to educate consumers, hosting in-hospital events, and meeting one-on-one to help these individuals find affordable coverage for themselves and their family.”
The Health Insurance Marketplace provides U.S. citizens access to affordable health insurance coverage. Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for financial assistance from the governments – or subsidies – towards the cost of the premium.
All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and individuals cannot be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. Some of the health benefits include preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services and more.
If you can afford health insurance coverage in 2015, but don’t sign up, you may have to pay a penalty ($325 per adults, $162.50 per child – up to $975/family or two percent of family income, whichever is higher). And, without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all your medical costs.
“This is where Commonwealth Health can help,” Catena said. “With many people in our community lacking access to a computer or having difficulty enrolling on the government’s website, our application counselors can help. We can assist individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance.”
In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In some states, the program covers all low-income adults below a certain income level.
Pennsylvania created and recently received Federal approval for an innovative private coverage option program, called Healthy PA, that will be available to more than 600,000 state citizens between the age of 21 and 64 with incomes up to 133% of the Federal Poverty Level. Individuals eligible for Healthy PA coverage will be able to choose from at least two health plans offered by participating commercial insurance carriers in their area. Enrollment in Healthy PA begins on December 1, 2014, and coverage may begin on January 1, 2015. There is no deadline to apply for enrollment.
Open enrollment for health coverage is from Nov. 15, 2014 to Feb. 15, 2015. To make an appointment for sign-up help for the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid, call Wilkes-Barre General Hospital at 570-552-1648; Regional Hospital of Scranton at 570-340-4942; Tyler Memorial Hospital at 570-966 – 1240; Moses Taylor Hospital at 570-770-5167; and Berwick Hospital Center at 570-759-5036.
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