Affordable health insurance, free help signing up, now available
11/13/2015
11/13/2015 (La Porte, Starke Counties, IN) - Affordable health insurance and free help signing up for it is now available during this year's Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment. Open enrollment for the public to obtain health insurance on the marketplace is from Nov. 1, 2015 to Jan. 31, 2016 for coverage starting as early as Jan. 1, 2015. Come to a free info/enrollment session or call the IU Health La Porte and Starke Hospital Healthcare Exchange Navigators for a one-on-one appointment toll-free at 855-400-2045. Navigators are impartial and specially trained to help individuals and families sign up for the best plans to meet their needs, including the state's HIP 2.0 program as well.
Info & Enrollment Sessions
Convenient evening and afternoon sessions with a Healthcare Exchange Navigator are free and open to the public.
- 4-6 p.m., Nov. 18, Dec. 9, and Jan. 5 at the La Porte County Public Library, 904 Indiana Ave., La Porte
- 4-6 p.m., Dec. 1 at the La Porte County Public Library Coolspring Branch, 7089 W. 400 North, Michigan City
- 4-6 p.m., Dec. 3 and Jan. 12 at the Starke County Public Library, 152 W. Culver Road, Knox.
Individual appointments are also available by calling 855-400-2045.
What to bring for enrollment
- Social Security numbers or document numbers for legal immigrants.
- Employer and income information for every member of your household who needs coverage. For example, information from pay stubs or W-2 forms.
- Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household.
- A completed Employer Coverage Tool for every job-based plan you or someone in your household is eligible for.
- You'll need to fill out this form even for coverage you're eligible for, but don't enroll in.
Top Five Things to Know about the Health Insurance Marketplace
- IU Health La Porte Hospital and network physicians will be accepting multiple plans in the Marketplace, including products such as Anthem, MDWise and several others. If you aren't sure whether your preferred doctor or hospital will be covered, call us first. We can help!
- Don't get sticker shock. Premiums may be more affordable than you think. Subsidies, cost share reductions and tax credits may be available.
- Special enrollments may be available for individuals who have had a change of status or meet other criteria.
- A good place to start when researching plans is to ask: Who is my primary care provider and what hospital do I want to be able to use?
- Local IU Health navigators are here to help! Call toll-free 855-400-2045.
FAQs
What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?
The Health Insurance Marketplace allows you to shop for a health plan that fits your needs and your budget. Within the Marketplace, you'll be able to find out if your insurance rates will be lower based on your income and compare different coverage options side-by-side. You'll also be able to enroll in a plan directly on the site. Most Americans will be eligible to use the Marketplace. Find out more about eligibility at healthcare.gov.
What do plans in the marketplace cover?
All plans on an exchange have to offer some core benefits called "essential health benefits." These include:
- Outpatient care
- Emergency Services
- Hospitalization and surgery
- Maternity and newborn care
- Mental health and substance use disorder services
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services
- Chronic disease management
- Pediatric services
Each individual plan can also offer additional coverage.
Who runs the Marketplace in Indiana?
The Health Insurance Marketplace in Indiana is run by the federal government and can be accessed by healthcare.gov.
What are some of the benefits of the Health Insurance Marketplace?
In the Marketplace, insurers can no longer deny coverage or charge people more based on their health status or pre-existing conditions. This allows many people who were unable to buy coverage in the past get covered. The Affordable Care Act provides tax credits and subsidies for individuals who qualify and purchase their insurance through the Marketplace. You can find out more when you apply.
Are there different types of plans?
In the Marketplace, health plans are labeled platinum, gold, silver or bronze to help make shopping easier. This helps you understand how much you will need to pay and what the plan covers. Platinum plans will cover more of your health expenses, but your monthly premiums will be higher. Bronze plans, on the other hand, will have the highest out-of-pocket costs, but you will typically pay less each month. The different levels do not reflect the quality or amount of care you can expect to receive.
Will I be able to keep my doctor? Or visit any hospital I want?
It depends. The Marketplace offers a variety of health plan options. Some will allow you to see your doctor if they are in your plan's network - meaning the healthcare provider is contracted to take care of the plan's members. Depending on which coverage you choose, you may only be covered when receiving care from an in-network provider.
Is there any financial help available?
By sharing some information about your household and income, you may be able to qualify for savings, which can include lower out-of-pocket costs for copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. You'll be able to find out more specifically what savings you may find once you apply for coverage.
What if someone doesn't have health coverage in 2016?
If someone who can afford health insurance doesn't have coverage in 2016, they may have to pay a fee. They also have to pay for all of their healthcare and wont' be protected from the kind of very high medical bills that can sometimes lead to bankruptcy.
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