The 2018 Enrollment Period is Over. But you may still qualify for coverage.
Since the 2018 Open Enrollment Period is over, you can now enroll in or change a Health Insurance Marketplace plan only if you have a life event that qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.
A Life Event Change could include:
- A Change in Household Status (marriage, divorce, etc.)
- A Change in Residence
- Loss of Health Insurance
Please call us at 309-345-4505
The Marketplace may be more affordable than you think1:
- Over 8 of 10 enrollees receive help (subsidies) with monthly premium payments
- Most can find plans for $50 - $100 per month (after accounting for savings)
- Subsidies increase as premiums rise; your cost is based on income/household size
- Plans selected during Open Enrollment begin January 1, 2018
All plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace include Essential Health Benefits, and you cannot be denied access to any plan because of a pre-existing condition. Plan coverage includes:
- Free preventive care and wellness services
- Pediatric, maternity and emergency care
- Prescription drugs
- Lab services
- Hospitalization
- Rehabilitation services
- Mental and behavioral healthcare treatment
Penalties: If you can afford health insurance coverage for 2018 but do not sign-up, you may have to pay a penalty on your Federal Income Tax Return. The penalty is either 2.5% of family income or a flat rate, whichever is higher. (The 2017 flat rate was $695 per adult, $347.50 per child, with a maximum fee of $2,085, but these figures may be adjusted for inflation for 2018.)
About ESS Services
ESS staff provides free assistance throughout the year to individuals who need help gaining access to healthcare services, or with paying medical bills. This includes helping individuals apply for coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Our screening questionnaire allows us to identify programs at the federal, state and county levels which can help you with access and expenses; we will then help you gather required information and documentation, and complete the application.
Remember, our services are free!
1www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide “Tips to Getting Started in the Health Insurance Marketplace”