PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The open enrollment period for 2018 health coverage is about to begin, and the Aroostook County Action Program wants to assist those seeking coverage.
People who wish to shop for insurance in the Marketplace have some key dates to keep in mind. This year, open enrollment starts Nov. 1 and ends Dec. 15. Consumers will need to act by Dec. 15 if they are already enrolled and wish to change plans in order for their new coverage to start by Jan. 1, 2018. Their coverage in 2017 health insurance plans will end on Dec. 31, 2017, if they take no action.
Those who do not enroll or change by Dec. 15 will have to wait until the next open enrollment period to apply for coverage.
“Health insurance plans in the Marketplace can be very affordable,” explained Stanley Targonski, ACAP health care navigator. A family of two can make $16,240 and up to $64,960 and still receive a premium tax credit to help pay insurance premiums.
ACAP is part of the Community Action Navigator Consortium and is a partner in a statewide network of certified Health Insurance Marketplace Navigators. Navigators can provide free in-person assistance to help consumers apply for and enroll in coverage through the marketplace.
“We are not affiliated with any insurance company so we provide fair and unbiased advice,” Targonski said. “Navigators can help you access programs that could lower your monthly health premiums and out-of pocket costs and understand the options available to you. Your private information is protected and we will never share it with anybody.”
Those who don’t have qualifying health coverage in 2018 will need to pay a fee, which is $695 per adult up to $2,085, or 2.5 percent of household income, whichever is higher.
For more information about the Health Insurance Marketplace, call Targonski at (207) 764-3721 or e-mail him at stargonski@acap-me.org.
