Most people have heard about the confusion surrounding the website for the Health Insurance Marketplace, the government’s new platform for offering affordable health insurance. While the site may not be fully functional yet, Brownwood Regional’s application counselors can help make things more clear and assist with the sign-up process. And, those who enroll by December 23, 2013 will have health insurance January 1, 2014.

A primary goal of the Affordable Care Act is to help eligible Americans gain access to affordable health care. Most U.S. citizens are required to enroll for health insurance by March 31, 2014. Based on household income and dependents, many may be eligible for health insurance coverage at no cost through Medicaid. Or, some may be eligible for new health insurance options on the Health Insurance Marketplace – and financial help from the government towards the cost of premiums may be available.

“This is where Brownwood Regional Medical Center can help,” said Chip Camp, CEO of BRMC. “With many people in our community lacking access to a computer or having difficulty enrolling on the government’s website, our application counselors can help. We can assist individuals and their families, evaluate the available health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance.”

Health Plans on Health Insurance Marketplaces
All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and individuals cannot be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. Some of the available health benefits include preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services – and more.

“Even though Texas has chosen not to expand Medicaid, there are still many individuals in our community who qualify for Medicaid coverage,” explained Chip Camp, CEO. “We can help screen these individuals and if they qualify, we can enroll them at any time, with health coverage beginning immediately.”

“While a major function of www.healthcare.gov is assessing whether individuals and families qualify for financial help to lower the cost of the insurance, Brownwood Regional’s application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with the sign-up process,” Camp said.

Open enrollment runs October 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014.   Those enrolled by December 23, 2013, will have health insurance effective January 1, 2014.  To make an appointment for sign-up help for the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid, call 325-649-3331.