ACA enrollment down 27 percent in West Virginia

Nov. 29--Compared to the same time period in 2017, there has been a 27 percent decrease in signups for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in West Virginia.

So far this year, four weeks into open enrollment, 5,735 people have enrolled, compared to 7,828 this time last year.

WV Navigator, a federally grant-funded project operated by First Choice Services, wants residents to know the ACA is still in place. But open enrollment ends soon -- Dec. 15 -- for those who need to enroll, re-enroll or switch health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Jeremy Smith, program director for WV Navigator, said many people are confused about their options this year. He said some think the ACA is no longer in place, and many are signing up for limited plans which may not cover their needs.

"People are telling us that they are ending up on websites other than healthcare.gov and getting inundated with calls from people selling them plans," Smith said. "That may account for some of the decrease this year."

He noted that outreach funds were cut this year as well, so people may not be as aware that free help is available.

"We are trying our best to get the word out that if you want a 2019 health insurance plan through the Marketplace then you have to sign up by Dec. 15."

He urges anyone who needs assistance to reach out to his group for free help.

He added, "We don't work on commission. Our job is to make sure you get the best insurance for you and your family and guide you through the whole enrollment process."

The Health Insurance Marketplace offers monthly subsidies for people to help pay for their insurance plans; however, applicants must enroll through the Marketplace call center or online at Healthcare.gov to get those subsidies.

West Virginians who need help enrolling or have questions about health insurance can take advantage of the free help that WV Navigator provides by calling their helpline at 1-844-WV-CARES (304-356-5834) to speak to a certified Health Insurance Navigator. Free, in-person enrollment assistance is also available.

For more information, visit WVNavigator.com, which includes resources for enrollment help, a calendar of enrollment events and an overview of facts and other information about health insurance, the Marketplace and the Affordable Care Act.

-- Email: wholdren@register-herald.com and follow on Twitter @WendyHoldren

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