Health insurance marketplace enrollment deadline is Dec 15

Marketplace plans must include key benefits like mental health care, maternity care, prescription drug coverage and hospitalization services. Many marketplace shoppers will qualify for a discount based on their income. 

After open enrollment closes on Dec. 15, accessing health insurance in the marketplace is limited until the next open enrollment period or to those who experience a qualifying life event like job loss, change in household composition, etc. 

Here are five tips to know about the health insurance marketplace:

•  Key dates — The marketplace open enrollment at HealthCare.gov runs through Jan. 15, 2023. Consumers who enroll by midnight on Dec. 15 can get full year coverage that starts Jan. 1.

•  Coverage is affordable — This year, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, more people qualify for help purchasing quality health coverage. If you have looked for health coverage before, it is worth a second look.

•  Four out of five customers will be able to find a plan for $10 a month or less after subsidies.

•  With the new law, millions of people will continue to qualify for tax credits that lower their premiums.

•  Quality plans — These are quality, comprehensive health plans that offer doctor visits, emergency care, behavioral health care, preventive care, hospital care and prescription drugs.

•  There are also new plan options that offer similar benefit designs and more pre-deductible services.

•  More help is available — Consumers can access assisters and navigators in every state on the marketplace. To find local help, go to localhelp.healthcare.gov.

•  Sign up for coverage this year — All consumers shopping for health insurance coverage, even those who currently have coverage through the marketplace, should enroll or re-enroll by logging in to HealthCare.gov and CuidadodeSalud.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 (TTY is 855-889-4325) to fill out an application and enroll in a 2023 marketplace plan. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it is free and assistance is available in more than 200 languages.

Five ways to make the most of your health coverage:

•  Confirm your coverage — Be sure your enrollment is complete. Contact your health plan and/or state Medicaid office. Pay your premium if you have one, so you can use your health coverage when you need it.

•  Know where to go for answers — Contact your health plan to see what services are covered, and what your costs will be. Read the Roadmap to Better Care and a Healthier You from cms.gov to learn about key health insurance terms, like co-insurance and deductible.

•  Find a provider — Select a health care provider in your network who will work with you to get your recommended health screenings. Remember you might pay more if you see a provider who is out of network.

•  Make an appointment — Confirm your provider accepts your coverage. Talk to your provider about preventive services. Ask questions about your concerns and what you can do to stay healthy.

•  Fill your prescriptions — Some drugs cost more than others. Ask in advance how much your prescription costs and if there is a more affordable option.

If you have questions or would like to make an appointment, contact Tina Umstead, community health specialist, at 731-644-8215. Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

For more information, go online at hcmc-tn.org.