With the open enrollment period for health care coverage approaching its final weeks, Greater Family Health is providing guidance on how to enroll in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace health care plans.
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), more than 2.5 million people enrolled in health coverage on HealthCare.gov and state Marketplaces this year. The 2022 open enrollment period opened again on November 1 and will run through January 15, 2022. However, for those who want their new insurance plan to start on January 1, 2022, members should apply, enroll and pay the first premium by December 15, 2021.
“With more plans to choose from and more than one carrier to pick from than in previous years, and with health insurance rates continuing to trend downward this year, we want to ensure that anyone who needs health care coverage gets the help they need to successfully enroll themselves and their families,” said Stacy David, Director of Practice Management of Greater Family Health. “It can be an overwhelming process and at Greater Family Health, we can connect local families with plans that work best for them and walk them through the enrollment process.”
Below are some of Greater Family Health’s top tips and things to know as you enroll:
- 2022 Open enrollment runs from November 1, 2021, through January 15, 2022.
- If you want your insurance plan to start on January 1, 2022, you need to apply, enroll and pay your first premium by December 15, 2021. If you enroll after 12/15/2021, your plan will start 02/01/2022.
- When Illinois consumers purchase health plans through the ACA Marketplace, they can be assured that the plans cover pre-existing conditions and offer free preventive care services.
- Make sure you enter your estimated household income for 2022 on the application, not what you made in 2021.
- Health Plans can be previewed to get estimated prices before completing the application.
- Check with your and your spouse’s employer to see if they offer insurance. If they do, it is possible you may not qualify for Advanced Premium Tax Credits.
- Check the provider’s network and list of covered medicines, not just premiums, deductibles, and copays.
- Applications can also be processed through The Marketplace call center at 800-318-2596. The Center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except holidays). Since the Marketplace call center and the website tend to get busier towards the end of Open Enrollment and around December 15, don’t delay applying for coverage.
For questions and one-on-one assistance in enrolling in a health care plan, contact Greater Family Health directly at 844-599-3700 extension 2102.
