New Year, New Health Care

This post was written by CHC member Brynn Foss.

Series: Chicago Healthcare 

Brynn serves at Erie Family Health Center as an Health Educator.

January 1st, 2014, marks a notable New Year as the Affordable Health Care Act, also known as ObamaCare, comes into full effect across the United States.  Under the Act, health insurance has become a requirement for all U.S. citizens and documented residents. Within Illinois alone, thousands of formerly uninsured persons are now covered, having utilized the Health Insurance Marketplace to access private insurance options that would have previously been unattainable. Others have become eligible for coverage under Illinois' expanded Medicaid program. County Care, a new program for uninsured adults in Cook County, is an example of this expansion.

Many of these new enrollees hail from the very communities in which Chicago Health Corps members serve. Non-profits and organizations like my host site, Erie Family Health Center, are working to ensure that all are covered under the new law.  Illinois residents who are currently without coverage can continue to enroll for the 2014 year, using Get Covered Illinois, the Official Health Marketplace, until March 31st.  Here, applicants can view the many options that are available to themselves and their families.

Check out the information listed below to learn more!

Where can I access Get Covered Illinois?
www.getcoveredillinois.gov 

How do I know if I'm eligible for County Care?
Check out www.countycare.com or call 1-855-444-1661

What if I have more questions?
Consider contacting a Navigator at (866) 311-1119

What are some upcoming deadlines?

                  Plan Purchase Date                          Coverage Start Date
       Dec 24th, 2013 - Jan 15th, 2014                     Feb 1st, 2014
       Jan 16th, 2013 - Feb 15th, 2014                     Mar 1st, 2014
       Feb 16th, 2014 - Mar 15th, 2014                     April 1st, 2014
       Mar 16th, 2014 - Mar 31st, 2014                     May 1st, 2014
                 

End of open enrollment for 2014: March 31st, 2014
Persons who do not enroll by this date will have to pay a penalty to the IRS

Open enrollment for coverage starting in 2015: Nov 15th, 2014 - Jan 15th, 2015