Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Begins. Ready – Set – Go!

Health Insurance Premium Assistance is Available for Those Who Qualify

According to VeryWellHealth.com (Norris, 2017), with the exceptions of four states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, California, and The District of Columbia, the federal individual mandate penalty for purchasing health insurance has been eliminated. That being said, with the advent of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) making health insurance more affordable for those who need it, no one needs to get caught in a situation where they are uninsured and end up in a lifetime of debt due to the financial repercussions of a health emergency. Subsidized insurance is available for free or low-cost for those eligible for services through Medicaid/CHIP and the ACA, and you may apply for these programs by linking to the resource information below.

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) (aka Subsidized Health Insurance) – November 1st – December 15^th

• What is the Affordable Care Act? by HHS.gov
• Official Marketplace Dates and Deadlines | HealthCare.gov
• Get Marketplace health coverage outside Open Enrollment only with a Special Enrollment Period | HealthCare.gov
• HealthMarkets.com lists the Special Enrollment Deadline and Open Enrollment Period by State for states that use the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act exchange.
• HealthCare.gov provides a resource to “see if you might save on Marketplace premiums, or qualify for Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), based on your income. Or, find out who to include in your household and how to estimate income before you apply.”

MEDICAID/CHIP – Continuous Open Enrollment for Those Who Qualify for Benefits

• How to Qualify for Medicaid and CHIP Health Care Coverage | HealthCare.gov
• Medicaid and CHIP program names in your state

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT – October 15th to December 7th

• When does Medicare coverage start? | Medicare
• Medicare and You Handbook 2024
• Medicare Information in Accessible Formats
• Your Medicare coverage choices | Medicare
• Medicare Plan Finder
• Helping You Navigate Medicare Advantage Plans
• When Can I Buy a MediGap Policy?
• AARP Medicare Plans from UnitedHealthcare
• Health coverage options for people who get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | HealthCare.gov

Can’t Afford Medicare Premiums and the Cost of Medication?

• Check out these Medicare Savings Programs. Enroll via Your State’s Medicaid Program.
• Check out the Medicare Prescription Drug Program EXTRA HELP (Part D). Enroll via the Social Security Administration.

Looking for Local Medicare Counseling Assistance?

Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which is also known by different names in different states.

Do you have Medicare and Medicaid dual eligibility?

If so, check out the benefits of the Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) for Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE), determine if there is availability in your location, and determine if the program is right for you.

Medicaid covers services and supports Medicare doesn’t necessarily pay for. If one is eligible for Medicaid, it’s important to educate oneself on the benefits of having Medicaid and Medicare dual eligible benefits. Medicaid covers a number of long-term care services and supports that Medicare doesn’t. Have questions about dual eligibility? Contact SHIP in your state.

See the American Council on Aging’s Answers to All of Your Questions About Medicaid Long-Term Care to find out more about how long-term care Medicaid works.

Complete the Medicaid Eligibility Test / Pre-Screen for Long Term Care if you are 65 years old or older to determine if you may qualify for long-term care Medicaid services.

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