Guest View: What to know about open enrollment

Open enrollment began Tuesday, Nov. 1, and runs through Jan. 15, 2023. An open enrollment period is a window of time when you can sign up for health insurance, adjust your current plan or cancel your plan. If you miss it, you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period to make any changes.

This year, there are a few ways you can apply for coverage.

1. Contact a certified application counselor or access navigator at NorthLakes Community Clinic by calling 888.834.4551.

2. Apply by phone with the Marketplace Call Center at 800.318.2596.

3. Enroll online at Healthcare.gov or use the website to find an assister nearest to you by using the Local Help tool at the bottom of the page.

By choosing NorthLakes, you will have access to personalized support from a certified professional. Access navigators understand that there are many aspects of life that contribute to your overall health and wellness, and they can connect you to care and services – more than just insurance. Their services are free and they can help you by telephone/video or in person at some of our clinic locations (Ashland, Hayward and Turtle Lake). If you choose to apply with one of our navigators, there is some information we need you to bring.

If you are renewing insurance, you will need to bring:

n Username and password. Your username is your email address. For a password reset, call 800.318.2596.

n Estimated 2023 income.

n Bring your taxes if self-employed.

n Any expenses; for example, IRA contributions, student loan interest, HSA contributions.

If you are applying for the first time, you will need to bring:

n Email and password.

n Social Security number(s) for everyone applying.

n Non-citizens will need valid documentation.

n Estimated 2023 household income (even children if they are required to file taxes).

n Bring your taxes if self-employed.

n Any expenses; for example, IRA contributions, student loan interest, HSA contributions.

n Permission from all adults in the household to access personal identifiable information.

n List of doctors and medications.

Health insurance provides financial protection in case you have a serious accident or illness. For example, a broken leg can cost upward of $7,500! Health coverage can help protect you from high, unexpected costs. With Marketplace coverage, you'll get access to preventative services – like shots and screening services.

The Inflation Reduction Act has extended the increase of premium subsidies until 2025, which may substantially reduce your premium. This was first put in effect by the American Rescue Act and gives higher-income individuals – who normally wouldn't qualify for an Advance Premium Tax Credit (APTC) – the availability to purchase a plan at 8.5% of their household income.

Another notable achievement for the health insurance Marketplace is that the family glitch has been resolved. Before, if an employer offered "affordable health insurance" for the employee but the family plan was unaffordable, then the family did not qualify for the APTC. Now if the family plan is more than 9.12% of the household income, the family can get on the Marketplace with an APTC.

Applying for insurance doesn't have to be complicated – our access navigators are here for you. Call us today at 888.834.4551.

Patricia Turner is an access navigator at NorthLakes Community Clinic.