Security Health Plan enrollment fairs will help consumers navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: November 17, 2014
CONTACT: Rebecca Normington, 715-221-9726, normington.rebecca@
MARSHFIELD – The Health Insurance Marketplace has launched its second season of open enrollment, and many people who stayed away last year are likely to take a look this time around.
Security Health Plan of Wisconsin is holding dozens of free, no-obligation enrollment fairs throughout Wisconsin, to answer consumers’ questions, help them check their eligibility for subsidies and enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace.
“The Marketplace has made it easier for individuals and family to buy affordable health insurance, giving them better access to health care, something they may have gone years without,” said Marty Anderson, director of marketing – consumer products. “We know that some people stayed away last year because of website’s problems, but this year enrollment should be smoother.”
Another factor that might drive consumers toward the Marketplace is a substantial increase the penalty for not having insurance coverage. This year the federal penalty for not having insurance will triple, up to a maximum of $975 for a family.
At the enrollment fairs, Security Health Plan will provide computer access and licensed agents to answer questions, explain Security Health Plan’s coverage options and help people enroll in the Marketplace. Current members who want to update their enrollment application so that they receive the 2015 tax credit are also welcome to attend.
Open enrollment will continue until Feb. 15, 2015. However, to have coverage on Jan. 1, 2015, consumers must enroll by Dec. 15.
Only insurance companies approved as a Qualified Health Plan are eligible to offer coverage through the Marketplace. And purchasing a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace is the only way consumers can receive a tax credit to help meet health care costs.
The Health Insurance Marketplace was launched a year ago as part of the Affordable Care Act. According to statistics from the state Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, Security Health Plan led Wisconsin in member enrollments with almost 25,000 new individual and family enrollments through the Marketplace.
“Last year we heard many heartwarming stories from area residents who no longer had to deny themselves or their families the health care that was needed, because they now had health coverage,” Anderson said. “We want to hear more of those stories. We want to help more Wisconsinites get health care coverage.”
A complete list of the upcoming enrollment fairs can be found at: www.securityhealth.org/
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About Security Health Plan
Security Health Plan is a health maintenance organization sponsored by Marshfield Clinic, now serving more than 225,000 residents in 41 counties of Wisconsin. Accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), Security Health Plan insures employees of large and small businesses, individuals and families, and administers self-funded employer health plans.
