To the editor:
As a former health center supervisor, I know what a difference having a quality, affordable health plan makes to help people stay healthy and get care when they need it. Plans like those on the Health Insurance Marketplace that include preventive services encourage people to actively manage their health instead of suffering with a treatable condition or waiting to address a health issue through a visit to a hospital emergency department.
Open enrollment to sign up for an affordable health plan for 2015 through the Marketplace will end soon- Feb. 15, 2015 is the last day to enroll!
Last year, 90 percent of Mainers qualified for financial assistance that lowered the cost of premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. To make the most of this short time period, Mainers should visit enroll207.com to get basic information about plans available through the Marketplace, find tools to help estimate costs, and most importantly, use the Find Free Help section to locate free confidential help by phone or in-person from certified assisters all over Maine.
You can receive face-to face, one-on-one assistance locally by our Federally Certified Application Counselors located at any Pines Health Services offices. I personally have enrolled numerous local individuals and families who have left my office with new confidence and smiles on their faces, knowing that they are now covered in an affordable, qualified health plan through the Marketplace. Having a quality health plan sure beats going without health insurance, and it keeps you from having to pay a tax penalty for 2015!
Please do not wait until the final days to enroll. Last year, Certified Assisters were completely booked in the last two weeks before the deadline. That is why we have scheduled public open enrollment sessions throughout the season.
We invite you to our next open enrollment session on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Caribou Public Library. Drop in anytime during that time frame or call for a scheduled personal appointment. All of our services are free and all information is kept confidential.
Do yourself and your loved ones a favor and cross this off your resolution list for 2015. We are here for your assistance; call me at 498-1684.
Patti Dorman
application counselor
Health Insurance Marketplace
Editors note: Free help is also available through the Aroostook County Action Programs Navigator Consortium. You can make an appointment or ask questions by calling Dawn Roberts, Community Education Specialist Health Services Navigator at ACAP (207)764-3721 or 1-800-432-7881.
