The open enrollment period for obtaining or changing insurance plans through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s Health Insurance Marketplace has been shortened this year to just six weeks, a regional health provider cautioned residents.
SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium has offered to help people navigate the application process of applying for health coverage through the Marketplace, hosted at HealthCare.gov. During the open enrollment period from November 1 to December 15, SEARHC Outreach can help applicants prepare their submissions for new or renewed coverage. The program also offers free assistance for those turning 65 to apply for Medicare, veterans applying for benefits, Medicaid applications, and Tribally Sponsored Health Insurance (TSHIP).
The SEARHC Outreach program office can be reached by phone at 907-966-8662, 966-8883, or toll-free at 1-855-966-8684.
Wrangell Medical Center also offers resources to assist in navigating the Marketplace. Residents can contact social worker Mary Campbell during the regular work week at 874-7191.
Among other changes to the federal healthcare program, last week the Department of Health and Human Services, along with the Internal Revenue Service and Employee Benefits Security Administration, filed interim rules providing a broader exemption from the PPACA’s mandate for female contraceptive coverage. Under that mandate, health care insurers are required to cover the cost of at least one form of the Food and Drug Administration’s 18 approved methods of birth control for women, at no out-of-pocket costs to the consumer.
Previously there had been exceptions established for church and religious organizations and some for-profit corporations. The new rules would allow all plan sponsors, including institutions of higher education, to deny contraceptive coverage on religious and moral grounds.
Affected women may still obtain contraceptives at zero cost sharing under an optional accommodation process, where an exempted employer must notify HHS of their objection. HHS notifies the consumer’s insurance provider in turn, which then provides no-cost coverage. The state’s Division of Insurance with its Department of Commerce expects “very little impact” on Alaskan consumers. Those concerned about a change in contraceptive coverage are advised to reach out to their employer or insurer to determine whether changes can be expected. Alaska law requires that insurers provide at least 45 days’ notice prior to any change in benefits.
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