by Nancy Anderson.
The marketplace enrollment period for health insurance started on November 1 and ends on December 15. The Trump administration slashed the sign-up period in half and cut the advertising budget to the bone, so HCDP is working to get the word out to South Carolinians.
Who should enroll?
Anyone who does not have health insurance should make an appointment with a Certified Application Counselor or go to www.healthcare.gov to determine eligibility. Subsidies ARE available!
What if I was enrolled last year?
Those who were enrolled last year should have already received a re-enrollment letter outlining premiums, deductibles, government supplements, and the enrollee’s portion of the monthly payment. Since financial and other circumstances change from year to year, it is best to check online or speak with a Certified Enrollment Counselor to be certain your plan is the best for you.
How can I enroll?
Go online to www.healthcare.gov The website is much improved from past years, and for those who are comfortable with online processes, easy to navigate; OR
Make an appointment with a Certified Enrollment Counselor. To make an appointment with the counselor in the Conway area through Healthcare Partners of SC, call (843)340-0979.
Little River Medical Center has counselors throughout Horry County. To make an appointment with the counselor in Myrtle Beach, call (843)663-8270; to make an appointment with the counselor in Little River, call (843)663-8261; or to make an appointment with the counselor in Carolina Forest, call (843)663-8063.
Enrollment assistance through any of these Certified Application Counselors is FREE. You do not need to be a client of Healthcare Partners or LRMC, but you MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT.
What else do I need to know about enrolling in marketplace health insurance?
You must be able to provide proof of income and employment history.
As previously planned, the penalty for adults not having health insurance has been increased to $700. The fine is deducted from one’s tax refund.
The enrollment website www.healthcare.gov is generally down for maintenance on Sunday afternoons, a popular time for consumers to use it. Plan accordingly!
APPOINTMENT TIMES ARE FILLING UP.
DON’T WAIT UNTIL DECEMBER TO SCHEDULE!
SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW, BECAUSE
Good Healthcare is Good for Everyone!
