Locals looking for advice as health care marketplace opens today
Today marks the first day of a six-week enrollment season where individuals can sign up for coverage. However, if you relied on an insurance broker in the past to help determine what combination of deductibles, co-payments, cost and coverage best fits your needs, you might have to look elsewhere.
Health insurance providers
In addition to the lack of reimbursement from insurance providers, the
Many people have turned to insurance brokers to advise them how to select the best plan to fit their needs and their budget, according to Hall.
"At this time of year, I typically put in about 70 hours per week," Hall said. "People need help and we want to help them, but we can't work for free."
There is a bill in the state
"I don't think it's getting much attention," she said.
Republican state Rep.
The bill could use some additional co-sponsors, according to Roae, but he is hoping it will pass this fall.
"The way it is now, insurance agents can't get paid," said Roae, whose
He's hoping lawmakers will give it a look.
"Now that the budget stuff is behind us, it's important to get this bill passed," Roae said.
In the meantime, there is free advice available for those needing help.
The majority of people looking for coverage need help to select from the variety of plans that are available, Cox said.
"I help them find out if their medications are covered and if they can see the same doctor," Cox said. "Some people don't understand how deductibles work and they end up caught off guard sometimes by hospital bills."
Cox also clarified some misconceptions some people have about this enrollment period.
"Tax credits are still out there, despite what some people think," she said.
Some people have asked Cox if
"That is not the case," Cox said. "The hospital is still accepting the same insurance plans as they have in the past."
In addition to preparing for a potential deluge of telephone calls from health care shoppers, Cox also met with some community members planning an event to help inform and connect those in need with those who can navigate the health care system.
Members of
Cox hopes people will attend the seminar and/or contact her for assistance. The days of just taking whatever plan is provided are long gone, she said.
"People have to be smart consumers when it comes to health care now," she said.
While the open enrollment period ends
How to get help
--The Afforable Care Act health insurance marketplace may be accessed at HealthCare.gov or by calling (800) 318-2596.
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--Additional information about Thankful Thursday's health care enrollment seminar may be found at Facebook.com/ThankfulMeadville. Or, contact the group by sending a message on its Facebook page.
Key points for health care shopping
The following are key points for Pennsylvanians shopping for health coverage, according to the Pennsylvania Health Access Network.
--Sign up by
--Coverage could be cheaper than you think. Last year, 8 in 10 people qualified for financial help to make their monthly premiums more affordable. In fact, most people found plans available between
--Shop and save. If you had coverage through HealthCare.gov for 2017, you should come back to update your information and compare your options for 2018. Every year, plans and prices change. You could save money by switching to a new plan that still meets your needs.
--Those who choose to go without health insurance may have to pay a penalty. There is a minimum penalty of
--Free help is available. If you have questions about signing up or want to talk through your options, the Pennsylvania Health Access Network has free in-person assistance available. You can call or text the network's toll-free helpline at (877) 570-3642 or visit pahealthaccess.org/gethelp.
--For individuals making too much to qualify for financial assistance, there may be better options off marketplace. Visit pa.checkbookhealth.org to find out what other options are available.
--Tax credits protect people from rate increases. A 27-year-old earning
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