Teche Regional offers information on Health Insurance Marketplace

Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace will begin on Nov. 15.
The Health Insurance Marketplace offers expanded access to low-cost healthcare coverage for people without health insurance, or for those who are interested in exploring more cost-effective alternatives to their current coverage. Last year alone, 7.3 million people obtained health coverage through the Marketplace.
At Teche Regional Medical Center, plans are already underway to help patients learn about the Marketplace and enroll in affordable healthcare coverage. Beginning Nov. 15, Certified Application Counselors (CACs) will be available onsite and through the hospital’s toll-free number – 1-888-982-9144 – to help people navigate the application process, re-enroll or make changes to their Marketplace coverage, and understand the options that best match their healthcare needs.
One of the foundations of good health is preventive care, and that is a key benefit that health insurance coverage provides. Without healthcare coverage, people often only seek out medical care when there is an emergency, or their condition becomes unmanageable on their own. The Health Insurance Marketplace has improved access to insurance plans that cover preventive care, which benefits individuals and our community, by raising the overall level of health and quality of life in our area.
While there are several types of plans and levels of coverage available, there is a core set of essential health benefits that must be covered by every plan on the Marketplace. These include:
— Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care you get without being admitted to a hospital)
— Emergency services
— Hospitalization
— Maternity and newborn care (care before and after your baby is born)
— Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment such as counseling and psychotherapy
— Prescription drugs
— Rehabilitative services and devices that help people with injuries, disabilities, or chronic conditions gain or recover mental and physical skills
— Laboratory services
— Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
— Pediatric services
Getting Ready to Enroll
Open enrollment for 2015 coverage is Nov. 15, 2014 to Feb. 15, 2015. If you do not currently have health insurance or if you are currently insured through a Marketplace plan and wish to make changes in your coverage, you must do so during this time.
Here are a few steps to take to get ready for enrollment period:
— Learn about different types of health insurance. A variety of plans will be available in the Marketplace.
— Make a list of questions before it’s time to choose your health plan, such as “Can I stay with my current doctor?”, and “Can I use my local hospital?”
— Make sure you understand how insurance works, including deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, copayments, etc.
— Gather basic information about your household income. You may qualify for a discount on the cost of your health insurance.
— Set your budget. Different health plans will be offered to meet a variety of budgets.
— Ask your employer if they plan to offer health insurance next year. Some employers have chosen to discontinue offering health benefits and direct employees to the Marketplace. Others may offer coverage for the first time in 2015.
— Explore current options. Visit www.HealthCare.gov for information about health insurance for young adults up to age 26, children in families with limited incomes (CHIP), and Medicare for people who are over age 65 or have disabilities. Also, based on your income and circumstances, you may be eligible for coverage under Louisiana’s Medicaid program.
For more information, contact Teche Regional Medical Center at 985-384-2200 or our toll-free enrollment line at 1-888-982-9144, Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You can also visit our website www.techeregional.com, or email us at teche.CAC@lpnt.net.