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Individuals and families without insurance coverage or who wish to change their current Marketplace plans (also referred to as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare) have from now until mid-December to do so.

This open enrollment period began on November 1, and runs until December 15.  Coverage begins January 1, 2020.  Marketplace insurances offer comprehensive coverage: including essential health benefits; such as prescription drugs, mental health treatment, maternity care, preventive care, and other health care services.

Residents may find they are income eligible for cost sharing, or a tax credit, to help reduce the Marketplace monthly insurance premiums. This is a great time for individuals and families to give their health plans and coverages a check-up.

“This is the time to act if you are without insurance coverage, or if you want to change your current Marketplace plan or update your current information,” says WCCHC (Will County Community Health Center) Managed Care Specialist Gayle Andrae.  “In addition, it’s important to be cautious of non-Marketplace options on various websites.  Some of those plans may not have some of the essential health benefits that the Marketplace and Qualified Health Plans offer.

“Residents with no or lower income who qualify may also receive help enrolling in Medicaid, and learn about Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in Will County,” Andrae continued.  “FQHCs offer primary care services; which could include Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Women’s Services (OB/GYN) including Family Planning, as well as Behavioral Health and Dental Services.  FQHCs can accept insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid; and have a sliding scale for income eligible residents, including a pharmacy discount program.

“We want people to have access to affordable medical coverage, access to medical care, and to explore all of their options,” Andrae concluded.

The open enrollment period for Marketplace health plans (also referred to as the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare) began November 1st and runs through December 15th.

Residents wanting further information are asked to contact the WCCHC Outreach Specialist Hotline at 815-774-6090.

Residents may also contact the Marketplace directly by calling toll free at 1-800-318-2596, or accessing the www.healthcare.gov website.

To hear an interview on WJOL Radio (Kevin Kollins speaking with CHC Outreach Specialist and Certified Account Counselor Rose Gomez), click here: