As Deadline Approaches, Local Officials Gather with Covering Wisconsin, United Way to Promote Marketplace Enrollment

MADISON, Wis., Dec. 12 -- Madison Mayor Paul Soglin issued the following news release:

With the deadline fast approaching for 2017 health coverage, officials and community leaders announce new information and opportunities for consumers to enroll.

Today, Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Regional Director Kathleen Falk, leaders of Covering Wisconsin and the United Way of Dane County came together at the Madison Hawthorne Library with this alert: To have Marketplace Health Insurance that begins January 1, the enrollment deadline is midnight on December 15.

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin said: "While so many residents now have health coverage thanks to the Affordable Care Act, we don't want anyone to wake up on January 1 without the opportunity to get covered. That is why I am making sure that our public libraries are available for people to get information and enroll.

"Wisconsin has more insurance providers in the Marketplace than any other state in the nation," said HHS Regional Director Falk. "This means there are a lot of choices for consumers," Falk noted, "and that means affordable rates. In fact, 7 out of 10 Badgers can get this top quality insurance for $100 a month or less because of the tax credits available." In fact, in just the past month about 66,000 Badgers have enrolled."

"Tis the season to shop, and what could be more important than healthcare for you and your family. So check out the many options available--you can even enroll on your mobile phone."

With over 44 plans to choose from in Wisconsin, and no two people alike, consumers often need assistance to help them decide what is best for them and their families. Covering Wisconsin has federally-certified Navigators working in Madison to help people enroll in and understand their health coverage options. Navigators provide free, confidential enrollment assistance and are currently taking appointments at the Dane County Job Center, Public Health of Madison and Dane County, and at Centro Hispano.

"We are here to help," said Adam VanSpankeren, Lead Navigator for Covering Wisconsin's Madison office. "Insurance isn't easy for anyone, and people are often reluctant to enroll because they don't want to make a mistake or worry it will be too expensive. That's why Navigators exist, to help people understand their options and empower them to make informed decisions about their health care coverage."

And for some residents of Dane County, there is even more help available. Renewed for a fourth year in 2017, HealthConnect is a program for low-income Dane County residents that helps cover the cost of their premiums. It is made possible thanks to a gift from UW Health. Even with tax credits, paying a monthly premium can be challenging for people with limited incomes. For those who qualify, HealthConnect will pay their health insurance premiums for Silver-level Marketplace plans.

"So many families and individuals are making every dollar stretch as far as possible. We want to provide a path, so they can afford health insurance without sacrificing necessities like food and rent," said Renee Moe, President and CEO of United Way of Dane County. "HealthConnect has served more than 1,700 Dane County residents over the last three years, and this program can serve so many more in the coming year."

Congressman Mark Pocan was not able to attend the press event but said, 'Since the first open enrollment season we have seen how the Affordable Care Act has greatly improved Wisconsinites access to affordable health insurance, from 2013 to 2015, the state's uninsured rate has dropped from 9.4% to 5.7%. Our state is stronger when more Wisconsinites are able to access affordable high-quality health care. Whether you already have coverage from the Marketplace or are going to purchase insurance for the first time, make sure to visit www.healthcare.gov This link will leave the City of Madison website and open in a new window. to find a plan that works best for you and your family."

If you would like to learn more about HealthConnect, go to www.unitedwaydanecounty.org This link will leave the City of Madison website and open in a new window. and click on "Get Help". If participants sign up by December 15, HealthConnect can begin paying their premiums on January 1, 2017.

December 15 is the last chance to enroll in coverage through the Marketplace that starts January 1, 2017. Open Enrollment for the Marketplace continues until January 31, 2017, and Covering Wisconsin has additional enrollment events planned to help people who miss the December 15 deadline.

Upcoming Enrollment Events:

December 14, 2016 Meadowridge Library

5:00 to 8:00pm 5726 Raymond Rd, Madison, WI 53711

December 15, 2016 Hawthorne Library

1:00 to 5:00pm 2707 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53704

To schedule an appointment to meet with a Navigator, Madison and Dane County residents should call Covering Wisconsin at 1-608-261-1455, or go online to www.coveringwi.org This link will leave the City of Madison website and open in a new window..

Anyone wishing to apply on their own or simply to explore their plan options can go to www.healthcare.gov This link will leave the City of Madison website and open in a new window., or call the Marketplace at 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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