The Shadow
Need help understanding the Affordable Care Act?
The Affordable Care Act’s open enrollment period for those who want to sign up for health insurance coverage through the ACA’s marketplace began on Nov. 15 and continues through Feb. 15.
As it did during the initial open enrollment period last year, the Rockbridge Area Health Center has trained personnel who will be available to assist with the enrollment process. In addition to the staff in Lexing-ton, the Rockbridge Area Health Center also added two in-person assisters in the Alleghany area.
Those who are interested in enrolling, or finding out if they would benefit from doing so, are encouraged to call the center at 464-8700, extension 7128, to set up an appointment.
To reach the Alleghany staff directly, call Marie Fitzpatrick at 540-960-1870 or Susan Knupp at 540-960-1382 to schedule an appointment.
Appointments are available on Mondays at the Clifton Forge Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays at Riverside Health Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA in Low Moor from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursdays at the C.P. Jones Memorial Library in Covington from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays at the Pine Street Baptist Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Anyone who earns between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level is eligible to receive advance premium tax credits to subsidize the cost of insurance premiums, said Katy Datz, the center’s director of development and outreach.
“Everyone who is currently enrolled should have received a letter from their insurance company with plan specific details,” explained Datz. “We will have volunteers and staff available to assist anyone that needs help with re-enrollment.
“We will also try to host informational educational forums as well about enrollment. In addition, we will work to educate the newly enrolled in the spring so that they can understand their insurance plans and take the most advantage of their benefits,” Datz added.
Enroll-a-thon events will be held at the Covington VEC on Monday, Jan. 12, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Dabney S. Lancaster Community Col-lege and at Covington City Hall on Jan. 26, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Datz pointed out that people without minimal essential coverage will be subject to fees. For 2014, the fee was $95 per uninsured adult and $47.50 per child, or 1 percent of income, whichever is higher.
The fees increase over the next two years. In 2015 it will be $325 per uninsured adult and $162.50 per child, or 2 percent of income, whichever is higher; in 2016 and beyond it will be $695 per person or 2.5 percent of income, whichever is higher.
There are exemptions for certain circumstances, such as not having to file a tax return because of an income that’s too low or being uninsured for less than three months of the year.
The health center’s outreach enrollment initiatives are intended to educate the public about options and obligations regarding chan-ges in accessing health care insurance as a result of the ACA.
“It is important that people understand their options regarding insurance plans and premiums,” said Datz. “We have found that many people do find premiums to be affordable after completing the application. Our certified application counselors are trained to assist people in navigating the exchange; there is not a charge for this assistance, and we will not guide anyone toward a specific plan. We want people to be informed.”
The deadline to enroll in health insurance is Feb. 15.
