For introductory information and to understand the mission of this blog, please see Post 1
Health Insurance Marketplace: Part 2
Next Steps If You Are Eligible for a Special Enrollment Period
Welcome back! I hope this blog is providing helpful information for people living with cancer. In this post, I want to continue our discussion into the Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace). There are a lot of details here, so if your cancer treatment team includes a financial counselor, nurse navigator or social worker, ask them to provide assistance.
You can find information on the Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov or by calling 1-800-318-2596. They even have a blog at www.healthcare.gov/blog
If you live in California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, or Washington, use this link to find your state’s website for health insurance https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state/#:~:text=People%20in%20most%20states%20use,business%20health%20coverage%2C%20or%20both.
Typically, American residents can purchase health insurance from the Marketplace during “open enrollment” from early November to mid-December. If you have experienced or anticipate experiencing a qualifying life event, including a loss of health insurance or change of income, and the Marketplace enrollment is closed, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.
Yes, I am eligible for a Special Enrollment Period: Once you have determined that you are are eligible to purchase a health insurance plan from the Marketplace, you will be required to create an account. Simply enter your state, first name, last name, email and set up a password with security questions.
Write your password in your organizer, as you will need this each time you access the Marketplace. Once you set up an account, you will gain access to health insurance plans in your region. Setting up an account does not require a social security number or a credit card. You will be required to verify your email before you can begin.
When you log into your account, you will have 2 options: “Start your application” or “Find out what things you will need to apply.” If this is your first experience with the Marketplace, I highly recommend you select the “Find out what things you will need to apply” button. This links you to a highly comprehensive list of items you will need to complete your application. Items include employer and income information, social security numbers and how you file your tax returns. You will also need the name of your cancer treatment team to ensure they accept the plan that you chose.
If you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, you may have a stack of business cards with a variety of healthcare professionals’ contact information. You need to know the name of the specialists that are going to provide your surgical, chemotherapy, and radiation services. You also need each provider’s practice (office) name. Sometimes all three services are provided by the same office or healthcare system, but often they are not.
OK, once you have all the items needed to start your application, click the “Start your application” button. At this point you will be required to enter your address, phone number and date of birth. You will also be asked a series of 5 questions to verify your identity. You will then receive a privacy statement. You will need to click on 2 boxes consenting to using your data for your application and the information you have provided is correct. Once you check these boxes you can select “Take Me to the Application.”
Next, you will see questions including marital status, number of tax dependents and name(s) of the person(s) to be covered by this insurance. At the end of this page is a question: How much income will your household make this year? (optional). There are two answers to choose from: “$71,000 or less” and “More than $71,000.” If you select “$71,000 or less” you will receive the message: “You may be able to get help paying for coverage, based on your estimated income. Do you want to see if you qualify?” If you select “More than $71,000” you will receive the message: “Do you want to see if you can get help paying for coverage?” Regardless of your answer, select “Yes.” If there are any options to save money, you want to know about them upfront.
Depending on the region and state that you live in, your options will vary. Insurance plans are tiered according to coverage and premiums.
My next post will move us though the next steps. I hope this information is helpful. If you would like to continue this conversation, please click on “subscribe” at the top of the Blog page. I would love to hear your comments as well as resources that have worked for you. Please share this information with your family and friends.
Keeping you in my prayers,
Jackie