HUNTINGTON, WV: Health Insurance Enrollment Event – Aug 14th 8AM-1PM

This event will be hosted by WV for Affordable Health Care, Health Care for All WV, WV Citizen Action Education Fund, WV Center on Budget and Policy, First Choice Services and WV Navigator, a federally funded non-profit program.

Dramatic changes in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have made it possible for many more WV residents to get affordable health insurance but the deadline to enroll is fast approaching. To assist more West Virginians get enrolled, WV Navigator will participate in the Biden-Harris Administration’s “Summer Sprint to Coverage”, a nationwide campaign to get more Americans enrolled in quality health plans at a lower cost.

No appointment is necessary and walk-ins are welcome all day. Any West Virginia resident will be able to come to the event to get free enrollment or re-enrollment help for Marketplace plans. Representatives will be able to answer questions or provide enrollment assistance.

Anyone who is not eligible for insurance through Medicare, Medicaid, or employer-based insurance is eligible to purchase private Marketplace insurance. New rules have expanded subsidies and lowered monthly premiums by an average of $183 per month. Anyone currently enrolled or those who are uninsured and need coverage can take advantage of the enhanced financial help. Even most high-income earners will now be able to qualify for the lower-cost plans. West Virginians have until August 15, 2021, to enroll in the program.

One of the most significant changes is that anyone who received Unemployment benefits during 2021 is eligible for free private insurance if they are still unable to qualify for other insurance options.

Even with the enhanced benefits, there is growing concern that many are going without insurance because they are unaware of these changes. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “The COVID relief bill passed in early March 2021 provided additional financial assistance to people who buy their own health insurance. The vast majority of those who are eligible for this financial assistance are either unsure whether the COVID-19 relief package included this financial assistance (82%) or say it did not happen (9%), while about one in ten (9%) are aware of this increased financial assistance. Additionally, only a small minority of those potentially eligible for additional financial help or coverage report going online to see if they qualify for a different or cheaper health insurance plan.”

More information is available by calling (304) 356-5834 or visiting www.acanavigator.com