Community Hospital – Fairfax

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Healthcare Exchange

Here are a few things that CH-F wants our patients to know:

  • The Marketplace is where consumers will shop for health insurance. Missouri residents need to visit  http://www.HealthCare.gov to access the Marketplace. Consumers may also dial (800) 318-2596 to apply via phone.

  • Open enrollment starts October 1.

  •  Individuals may choose a plan based on categories called gold, silver bronze or platinum. Consumers should study carefully the differences both in cost, coverage and provider access within the chosen network. Bronze plans generally carry the lower costs, high deductibles and fewer choices for providers. Benefits and cost rise respectively from bronze to platinum.

  • Depending on household income and family size, some consumers may qualify for tax credits to help with premiums.

  • Checklist provided by www.HealthCare.gov for the Marketplace:

    1. Social Security Numbers (or document numbers for legal immigrants),

    2. Employer and income information for every member of your household who needs coverage (for example, from pay stubs or W-2 forms—Wage and Tax Statements)

    3. Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household

    4. A completed Employer Coverage Tool (available at www.HealthCare.gov) for every job-based plan you or someone in your household is eligible for. (You’ll need to fill out this form even for coverage you’re eligible for but don’t enroll in.)

Need Help?

The Marketplace is meant to help consumers compare and contrast insurance plans. It can be difficult to understand the new format and products available. To help, there are organizations and individuals ready to help. In Northwest Missouri, the Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging has received a federal grant to provide consumer assistance. They can be reached at (888) 844-5626.

Additionally, Certified Application Counselors (CAC) are available for assistance. CH-F staff have applied to become certified application counselors and are awaiting approval from the Centers for Medicare Services. CH-F business office staff are available now to assist you. Contact Bonnie at (660) 686-2211 for additional help. For other CACs visit http://www.localhelp.healthcare.gov

Websites to Learn More:

The Marketplace is at  www.healthcare.gov

Read here to see how to apply https://www.healthcare.gov/how-do-i-apply-for-marketplace-coverage/

Here is a short video offered by The Marketplace http://bit.ly/19kh8RQ

A nonprofit formed by health care organizations to help answer questions: www.EnrollAmerica.org

Fact sheets and tools available here www.healthlawanswers.aarp.org

Learn more about subsidies here http://kff.org/interactive/subsidy-calculator/

Informative video about the changes coming in 2014 http://kff.org/health-reform/video/youtoons-obamacare-video/

An explanation for small business owners http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BuOabudu8I