ATTN: The free assistance with health insurance enrollment scheduled for Monday at the Rock Rapids Public Library has been rescheduled to Thursday, December 31, from noon to 4 p.m.
Rock Rapids, Iowa — Those who would like some assistance signing up for health coverage under the Obamacare Marketplace can get some help in Rock Rapids.
A health insurance navigator will be at the Rock Rapids Public Library at 102 South Greene from noon to 4 PM on Thursday, December 31, to help Iowans enroll in health coverage at healthcare.gov or through Iowa Medicaid.
Navigator Carrie Radloff says licensed navigators help you apply for coverage, review detailed information about health insurance plans, and determine your eligibility for cost savings. She says you can do it yourself, but they are there to help you through the process.
She tells us what categories of people she normally helps.
Appointments are recommended. Those who make an appointment will be notified in case of weather issues. Many concerns can be addressed in advance of or instead of an appointment. Contact Carrie at 515.414.9166 or carrie.radloff@ppheartland.org.
Another option is to contact Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center. They have staff that can help you sign up on healthcare.gov as well. They can be found online at promisechc.org, or they can be reached via telephone at 712-722-1700.
Radloff says if you’re coming to see her, she’d like to to bring:
* names, social security numbers, and birthdates of all members of the household;
* information to determine household income, such as tax returns and recent pay stubs;
* an email address (if you have one) you can access at the appointment and its password; and,
* a list of current medications and dosages and the names of your preferred doctors to select the most appropriate plan for your needs.
Many Iowans qualify for free coverage through Medicaid; you can check eligibility and apply any time at dhsservices.iowa.gov. An individual earning less than $16,000/year should qualify; add $5600 for each additional member of the household.
Marketplace health insurance open enrollment ends January 31, 2016. Apply by January 15, 2016, to have coverage begin on February 1, 2016. It is recommended to review your coverage options every year as plan options and prices change. Even a bronze plan can save you from financial disaster and is usually cheaper than the paying the fine for not having health insurance. The “shared responsibility payment” for 2016 will be the greater of $695 or 2.5% of your annual income above $10,000. The fine for 2015 is the greater of $325 or 2% of income over $10,000.
