With the recent Medicaid expansion in Virginia, which took effect, January 1, 2019 and the Open Enrollment period currently open, Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems has Outreach and Enrollment Specialists who can assist area residents to understand their insurance options.
From November 1, 2019 until December 15, 2019, Open Enrollment for 2019 is now available for people to enroll in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov), which was established by the Affordable Care Act and allows consumers to compare health insurance plans based on key factors including providers, coverage and price. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2020. To be eligible, the person must live in the United States, must be a U.S. citizen or national (or be lawfully present), and can’t be incarcerated. There are two types of coverage, the health insurance plan with tax credits and the Healthcare Coverage for Adults. Both types are based on tax household information. All plans cover essential benefits, pre-existing conditions, and preventative services.
At each of the four Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems sites in Saltville, Va. Tazewell, Va., Meadowview, Va. and Bristol, Va., there are Outreach & Enrollment Specialists, who are also Certified Application Counselors that can assist area residents in navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace for residents by assisting in the application process. If it looks like someone in your household is part of the 400,000 Virginians who will qualify for Medicaid based on the expansion, then your information will be sent from the Health Insurance Marketplace to your local state agency. Approximately 21,000 of those newly eligible Virginians live in Southwest Virginia. Individuals eligible for Virginia Medicaid include adults ages 19-64 who are not already enrolled in or eligible for Medicare. Eligibility is determined by income requirements, such as a single adult who makes less than $17,237 per year, or a family of three with a household income of less than $29,436. Other plans are available though, if the person does not meet the criteria to qualify for Medicaid. Residents can apply for Medicaid outside of the Open Enrollment period, as well.
Enrollment specialists are also available at all four of Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems sites in Saltville, Va., Tazewell, Va., Meadowview, Va., and Bristol, Va. Monday through Friday during normal business hours. For more information, call 276-496-4492.