In Year 2, Some Enrollment Worries Remain
"It's not possible for me to pay that much," said Welter, a part-time hairdresser from Kendall who's planning to enroll in nursing school next year.
Consumer advocates and regulators have warned the public for months that people who signed up for coverage last year might pay higher prices in 2015. With a year of data under their belts, insurers are adjusting to the market in
Welter, 49, wants to start a new career in medicine after working as a dental assistant for years. Her dream is to work in a hospital.
"My father was diabetic and he was in and out of hospitals for five years before he died," Welter said. "It's important for us to help people when they are most in need. There's nothing when you've lost your health. People feel so violated and alone."
Welter graduated from
Her degree did help her in one immediate way though: Graduating from college allowed Welter to qualify for a "life change" exemption from the federal government last summer and sign up for an Obamacare plan for a little more than
Normally, consumers must sign up during the period called "open enrollment." This year's enrollment ends
"I'm healthy, I exercise, I'm not overweight," Welter said. "But this is
Consumers must choose a plan by
She's taking classes at
"The majority of our students are working students. They're the first to go to college in their families and healthcare is important for them," Pena said.
"With all the misinformation that was out there, and quite frankly a lot of it was just noise, we thought it was important for our students and their families and our community that we offer this service," Pena added.
After 1 1/2 hours with a navigator in a small study space at the college's Kendall campus library, Welter chose a new plan that offers similar benefits to her old one for
Enrolling included a few complications. Welter had to contact the call center three times for help resetting her password but she said using a navigator to help her enroll was worth the time.
"I'm so happy I came," she said.
As Welter talked with the navigator, a janitor from the library's staff approached.
"I'd to schedule an appointment," said
Borjas said she only worked part-time and couldn't get insurance through the college. She saw a sign advertising the health law in the library and is hoping she can qualify for a subsidy.
"I saw a doctor in
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