Despite technical issues for those seeking information about health insurance plans with the rollout of the new insurance exchanges earlier this month, the traffic on the websites shows there is a serious appetite for the Affordable Care Act’s offerings.
In Maine, one of 36 states that opted for a federally-run exchange, there were delays for the many people who flooded the marketplace’s website to find out about the plans. Two companies here are offering coverage ”“ Maine Health Community Health Options and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield ”“ and lower-income residents can qualify for upfront discounts, according to the Associated Press.
As many as 250,000 Mainers could use the exchange, including about 130,000 who are currently uninsured, but officials anticipate many residents will choose plans from individual insurers outside of the exchange or remain uninsured. Those who do not have health insurance by Jan. 1 will face fines. Consumers can enroll as late as Dec. 15 and still get coverage in time, according to the AP. Customers have until the end of March to sign up in order to avoid tax penalties.
The Obama administration hopes to sign up 7 million people during the first year and aims to eventually sign up at least half of the nearly 50 million uninsured Americans through an expansion of Medicaid or government-subsidized plans.
Despite delays, it’s clear many of those people ”“ and those who currently pay out-of-pocket for expensive, private plans ”“ are eager for affordable coverage.
In an interview with the Associated Press, 31-year-old Sam Rutherford, a student at the Tennessee State University, said he signed up for a policy on Oct. 1, some 15 years after a sledding accident that resulted in him losing several organs. He said he has not been able to get an insurance plan since that happened.
A 51-year-old Detroit man was just as pleased in another corner of the country. Hussein Daoud went to the nonprofit organization ACCESS’s office to apply for insurance for his family. With the help of counselors, he learned he was eligible for Medicaid, and he likely won’t have to pay for a plan that covers his family of eight, the AP reported.
“This is the first time I asked for anything from the government, and I’m really glad that the government can help my family,” said Daoud, who lost his supervisory job at a dollar store when it closed a few years ago. He now sells used cars and can’t afford health care coverage, he said.
The stories like these that have been reported in the news are just a sampling of the many around the country and the state of people who are pleased and excited at the opportunity to access health care. Americans should take advantage of this opportunity and learn what they can about the offerings of the marketplace, and they may be able to get the access to preventative care and medical treatment that so many people desperately need.
In addition to online resources, people can call the state marketplace’s call center or visit a community action agency or community health center to get a paper application.
Locally, York County Community Action Corporation has been designated “help site” for York County residents needing assistance. Sessions are also planned to help inform residents about the plans and options. The two health insurance “navigators” at YCCAC ”“ Robin Bibber and Celyn Reed ”“ will host the informational sessions and plan to take questions at locations throughout the county through March 31.
The upcoming sessions include:
Ӣ Oct. 23, 6 p.m., and Nov. 13, 1 p.m., Goodall Library, 952 Main St. in Sanford
Ӣ Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m., and Nov. 21, 6 p.m., Wells Public Library, 1434 Post Road in Wells
Ӣ Dec. 3, 6:30 p.m., McArthur Public Library, 270 Main St. in Biddeford
Those who are interested in signing up for a plan or those who just want more information should attend one of the session or make an appointment to visit YCCAC to get their questions answered.
The health insurance marketplace website can be accessed at www.healthcare.gov/marketplace/individual.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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