Article published by West Point News
Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace is now underway. Nebraskans will have the opportunity to find health insurance coverage for the 2020 benefit year from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, at Healthcare.gov.
More than 87,000 Nebraskans found affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace during the 2018-19 open enrollment period.
In Nebraska, census data showed the number of uninsured individuals has remained unchanged from the year before at 4.3 percent. Enroll Nebraska strives to improve this number and help community members get enrolled.
It’s important for Nebraskans to compare insurance plans and explore prices found on the Marketplace every year, including existing plans from Medica and plans from new insurer to Nebraska, Bright Health.
On average, prices for plans decreased by 5 percent this year, which helps Nebraskans save money and better meet their health care needs.
In fact, those who went on Healthcare.gov, compared their plan options, and selected the plan that best fits their health and budget needs ended up paying 38 percent less per month on average in 2019 than those whose plans were automatically renewed.
“Every Nebraskan needs quality, affordable health care as part of living the good life, and enrollment assisters across the state are ready to help our communities find plan their fits their needs and budget,” said Eric Savaiano, statewide coordinator for Enroll Nebraska.
“With only 45 days to enroll, we encourage everyone to review their options at Healthcare.gov, compare plans, and seek out the local assisters who are eager to help answer their questions.”
More than 40 free, certified assisters are available statewide for phone or in-person consultations to help find health coverage on the Marketplace. Use Enroll Nebraska’s online map or the free 2-1-1 referral service operated by United Way of the Midlands to locate an assister organization in your community.
Customers also can compare and purchase insurance plans online at Healthcare.gov or by calling the Marketplace tollfree at 1-800-318-2596.
Nebraskans can start preparing for enrollment by gathering some important information for yourself and other members of your household interested in coverage, such as:
– Social Security numbers. Copies of Legal Resident documents.
– W-2 forms, work pay stubs, and/or tax return from the previous year.
– Your personal email address and login to create an online Health Insurance Marketplace account.
– If you already have Marketplace account, your username and password. Social Security income statement.
– Statements on student loans or alimony payments, if applicable.