TOPEKA — Sixty-two Navigators in the Cover Kansas network of certified assisters are ready for Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace, which will be November 1 through December 15, 2018. Navigators provide free, in-person assistance that includes reviewing eligibility for financial assistance, comparing health insurance plans and helping consumers enroll in the coverage of their choice.
As in years past, there are changes in the availability of some plans in the Marketplace, so Kansans are encouraged to schedule an appointment with a Cover Kansas Navigator by visiting coverks.org/search or calling 2-1-1.“People need to select a plan and enroll by December 15 and – due to the large number of people needing to enroll within 45 days – we encourage Kansans to get enrolled sooner rather than later,” said Debbie Berndsen, Cover Kansas Navigator Project Director.
Kansans do not need to wait to schedule an appointment with a Navigator – visit coverks.org/search or call 2-1-1 today.
Kansas are encouraged to compare the plan options at healthcare.gov/see-plans prior to their appointment with a Navigator. Existing Marketplace enrollees should have received letters from their insurance company and from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) explaining the changes in health insurance plan availability for Kansans in 2019. These letters should be reviewed carefully. If existing enrollees don’t take action by December 1, they will be automatically enrolled in the same or similar coverage. Existing enrollees should check to ensure their income and dependent information is up-to-date on Healthcare.gov.
Kansans without an offer of health insurance from an employer are encouraged to make an appointment with a certified Navigator. Financial assistance – in the form of Advanced Premium Tax Credits or Cost Sharing Reductions – may be available to help lower out-of-pocket costs associated with Marketplace plans.
Enrolling in health insurance can be overwhelming, but Cover Kansas Navigators are here to help year-round. Coverks.org helps consumers find a Navigator, schedule appointments online in some areas, and provides a checklist of what is needed to enroll. Kansans also can enroll by visiting Healthcare.gov or calling the Health Insurance Marketplace at 800-318-2596.
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