Published December 10, 2019, by Jane Straight
Need health insurance? You’re not alone. The number of Americans living without health insurance is at a four-year high, with 13.7 percent of adults living uninsured, according to the latest Gallup poll.
Not surprisingly, healthcare also tops Americans’ list of worries. Some 55 percent worry “a great deal” about the availability and affordability of healthcare, topping the list of potentially worrisome issues for the 5th straight year.
But you can cross that off your worry list this week! The deadline for enrolling for health care coverage is Sunday, Dec. 15. If you pick a plan by then, your family will be covered starting Jan. 1, 2020.
It can feel intimidating, but there are lots of resources available to help you find a quality, affordable plan that’s best for you and your family.
In Alaska, the easiest way to find help is to call 2-1-1 or 800-478-2221 which finds real-life, in-person assistance near you. There are trained navigators standing by to help you figure out your options.
The Health Insurance Marketplace helps people who don’t have health insurance through their jobs, Medicaid, or Medicare afford individual coverage. Anyone who lives in the U.S. or is a U.S. citizen and is not incarcerated is eligible.
Depending on income, you may qualify for an insurance plan with tax credits or for Medicaid/Denali KidCare. See where your income falls. Last year, 85 percent of enrollees received a tax credit to lower their monthly premiums.
The most affordable plans for health insurance are available on Healthcare.gov. Only those plans are guaranteed to cover all essential benefits like prescription drugs, mental health, hospitalization, and maternal care. All plans cover essential health benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventive services.
Call 2-1-1 for help finding a plan. Be sure to pick your plan by December 15 so you have coverage starting with the beginning of the new year!