Don’t wait to enroll in Iowa’s Marketplace

The Affordable Care Act offers many uninsured and underinsured Iowans the opportunity to obtain free or low cost health insurance. While enrollment in Health and Wellness (Iowa's Medicaid expansion) is open year-round, enrollment in Iowa's Marketplace, where financial assistance is available for people with incomes under 400 percent of the federal poverty level, is only available during open enrollment. The next open enrollment will run through Jan. 31, 2016.

Due to the numbers of enrollees and the required identity documentation (such as a birth certificate), Iowans are advised not to wait until the last day of enrollment or re-enrollment to complete their applications. If applications are not completed in their entirety, people will not only be uninsured but also be required to pay the penalty for not having coverage during 2015 and 2016; the penalty for not having insurance coverage in 2015 will be a minimum of $325 per person and in 2016 will be $695 per person; however, these penalties may be much higher, depending on individual circumstances. In addition, uninsured Iowans will miss the opportunity for valuable and sometimes lifesaving free preventive benefits required by the ACA, including cancer and heart disease screening.

To have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2016, enrollment must be completed by Dec. 15. Those who enroll in coverage after that date will have different coverage effective dates depending on when they complete the process. People who miss the Jan. 31 deadline will need to wait until next year's open enrollment period to apply for coverage (with the exception of people who experience a 'qualifying event”, such as marriage). Apply and enroll for health coverage NOW through the Health Insurance Marketplace, www.healthcare.gov

People who are already enrolled should have received notifications from the Marketplace regarding updating their information and re-enrollment options. For coverage to continue, people must log into their online account or call the contact center at (800) 318-2596 to verify their information and make any needed changes. Consumers will have the opportunity to review available plans and either remain on their current plan (if still available) or change to a plan that best suits their needs.

The Johnson County Healthcare Outreach Group has developed a brochure with information about the law and consumer enrollment assistance access points. The brochure, as well as up to date information for area enrollment events is posted at www.unitedwayjc.org

The Outreach Group will host an enrollment event at the Iowa City Public Library on Nov. 16 from 12:30-5 p.m. in the Computer Lab. Appointments for enrollment assistance also will be available on Tuesdays at the Iowa City Free Clinic, 2440 Towncrest Drive in Iowa City; please call (319) 535-2679 to schedule an appointment.

Please join us as we work to increase access to health care for Johnson County residents.

' Barbara Vinograde is affiliated with the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic and submitted this guest column on behalf of the Johnson County Healthcare Outreach Group. Comments: bvinograde@freemedicalclinic.org