Help available for healthcare enrollment

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 those with incomes under 400 percent of the federal poverty level, is only available during open enrollment. The next open enrollment is Nov. 15 through Feb. 15, 2015.

Due to the numbers of enrollees and required documentation, Iowans are advised not to wait. If applications are not completed, applicants will not only be uninsured but also be required to pay a penalty for not having coverage during 2015.

To have coverage effective Jan. 1, 2015 enrollment must be completed by Dec. 15. Those who enroll late will have different coverage effective dates.

Applicants missing the Feb. 15 deadline will need to wait until next year's open enrollment period (with the exception of people who experience a 'qualifying event”). Apply and enroll for health coverage now through the Health Insurance Marketplace, healthcare.gov

Those already enrolled should receive notifications to update information and options for re-enrollment. Consumers can review available plans.

The Johnson County Healthcare Outreach Group has developed and posted a brochure on the United Way of Johnson County website with information about the law and consumer enrollment assistance.

The Outreach Group is hosting education and enrollment events at the Iowa City Public Library. The events will be on Nov. 15, Nov. 29, and Dec. 6 in the computer lab from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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