Affordable Care Act open enrollment
It’s that time of year. Open enrollment for health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace began Nov. 1. Unfortunately, like last year, the Trump administration has drastically shortened the enrollment period. Enrollment now ends Dec. 15. Coverage begins Jan. 1, 2020.
The Health Care Marketplace is the access point for applying for, and learning about, health insurance plans as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Whether uninsured or looking for different insurance, the Marketplace will guide persons or business owners through the various private health insurance plans.
The ACA ended pre-existing condition exclusions, keeps young adults covered, ended arbitrary withdrawals of insurance coverage, and guarantees your right to appeal denial of payment. The ACA also ended lifetime limits on coverage, covers preventative care at no cost to you and removes insurance company barriers to emergency services; and insurance companies must now publicly justify any unreasonable rate increases. I fear possible changes to this law will have devastating effects on all Americans with health insurance.
All insurance plans will cover doctor visits, hospitalizations, maternity care, emergency room care and prescriptions. Young adults are allowed to stay on their parents’ plans until age 26. All insurance plans must show the costs and what is covered in simple language with no fine print.
Not enrolled yet? Please do so as soon as possible. You can enroll online at healthcare.gov, in person, by mail or by phone at 1-800-318-2596. Find a checklist for everything you’ll need to apply at marketplace.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/marketplace-application-checklist.pdf.
As always, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the ACA’s future, so take advantage of the resources currently available. My office frequently helps constituents resolve health insurance issues, including connecting constituents with enrollment specialists or any materials they may need. Do not hesitate to contact me at 608-266-9170 or sen.miller@legis.wisconsin.gov.