Three Rivers will again help Community Members with Health Insurance Enrollment
Beginning November 1, Three Rivers Medical Center will again 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 were required to have health insurance beginning in 2014. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, since the passage of the ACA, about 16.4 million uninsured people have gained health coverage as of May 2015. Yet, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured.
“As a primary health provider in Eastern Kentucky, our goal is 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,” said Greg Kiser CEO of Three Rivers Medical Center. “During the next few months, we’ll be out in the community and meeting one-on-one to help these individuals find affordable coverage.”
Health Plans on Health Insurance Marketplaces
The Health Insurance Marketplace provides U.S. citizens access to affordable health insurance coverage. Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for government financial assistance– or subsidies – towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles.
All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and coverage cannot be denied for individuals with a pre-existing health condition. Some of the health benefits include free preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services – and more.
The penalty fee for not having insurance has increased this year. If you can afford health insurance coverage, but don’t sign up, you may have to pay a penalty. For more information about this year’s penalty fees, visit healthcare.gov/fees.
“This is where Three Rivers Medical Center can assist,” said Kiser. “With many people not having access to a computer or having difficulty maneuvering on the government website, our application counselors can help individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance. We’ll also help with re-enrollment.
A few of our outreach efforts will include:
• Beginning on November 1, consumers can make an appointment with our application coordinators who can help them find affordable health insurance on the Marketplace.
• We will have informational panel cards throughout our facility, in our clinics, and around the community that includes a phone number to call to set up an appointment.
• We will host speaking engagements in the community to explain the insurance options, as well as how we can help with enrollment.
• Information will be inserted into self-pay and uninsured billing statements.
Though a major function of www.healthcare.gov is assessing whether individuals and families qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of health insurance, Three River’s application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with enrollment and re-enrollment. To make an appointment to meet with an application counselor, call 606-924-0186.
“Three Rivers Medical Center is committed to improving the health of the communities we serve by helping residents gain access to healthcare services,” said Kiser.