Open Enrollment now under way for Health Insurance Marketplace

The Health Insurance Marketplace is open for enrollment from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, 2018.Plans bought during this Open Enrollment period will start Jan. 1, 2019.

You may schedule a free appointment with the Washtenaw Health Plan at 734-544-3030 for help understanding and applying for Marketplace insurance. Walk-ins are also welcome Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm at 555 Towner Street, Ypsilanti.

“We want to assist anyone who is still uninsured, who lost coverage, or who needs help re-enrolling for 2019,” says Krista Nordberg, director of enrollment and advocacy for the Washtenaw Health Plan.

Those who have difficulty getting to Ypsilanti may also make an appointment at the Manchester Community Resource Center (CRC) to get assistance in applying for their health insurance.

“The CRC staff can assist folks with Medicaid applications year round,” said Laura Seyfried, CRC Director. “We also have a partnership with a trained Marketplace assister through St. Joe’s Chelsea. She meets people here at the CRC by appointment, and is also trained in Medicare enrollment.

“We certainly prefer to give folks the option of getting help right here in Manchester.”

Around 10,000 Washtenaw County residents were uninsured in 2017. Before the first Marketplace Open Enrollment in 2013, more than27,500 residents were uninsured.

If you are already insured through the Marketplace (also known as HealthCare.gov, Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare), you should update your information and make sure your current plan is still the best one for you, your family and your budget. Visit your Marketplace account at HealthCare.gov or get help locally at the Washtenaw Health Plan.

“We want to help people find the plan that’s best for them,” says Nordberg. “We have seen changes in premiums every year, but the Advanced Premium Tax Credits keep the cost affordable.”

All Marketplace plans must cover treatment for pre-existing medical conditions, doctors’ services, hospital care, prescription drug coverage, pregnancy and childbirth, mental health services, preventative care, birth control coverage, and more.

The Washtenaw Health Plan can also help people understand and apply for Medicaid, the Washtenaw Health Plan and employer insurance. Spanish-speaking and Arabic-speaking staff members, as well as phone interpreters for other languages, are available. For more information about the Washtenaw Health Plan and health care coverage options, visit healthcarecounts.org. Learn how to prepare for enrollment with their recent blog post.

The Washtenaw Health Plan works directly with people to assess their eligibility for health coverage and to secure coverage. Visit healthcarecounts.org or call 734-544-3030. Walk in for help Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. WHP is located the Washtenaw County Human Services building at 555 Towner Street, Ypsilanti.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.