West Virginia Navigator offering free assistance for ACA health insurance enrollment
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PARKERSBURG - Representatives from West Virginia Navigator and the West Virginia Tobacco Quitline will be in Parkersburg today to offer free, in-person Affordable Care Act Marketplace health insurance enrollment and re-enrollment assistance, as well as help quitting smoking.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today in the Fort Boreman Room of the Judge Donald F. Black Courthouse Annex at 317 Market St. Appointments are not necessary; walk-ins will be taken all day.
The Affordable Care Act's annual Open Enrollment period is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15. Last year, a record number of people enrolled in health care coverage through the Marketplace.
In West Virginia, more than nine out of 10 people who got their insurance on the Marketplace were eligible for a monthly subsidy to help them pay for the plan they selected, according to a release from West Virginia Navigator, a federally funded nonprofit program operated by First Choice Services.
"Many people will qualify for substantially lower costs this year if they get their insurance on the Marketplace," said Jeremy Smith, program director. "We advise people to look at the new plans and prices released this year."
West Virginia still has an uninsured rate of almost 6% and has one of the highest smoking rates in the country, Smith said.
"We know people that have health coverage and are tobacco free are healthier and have a higher quality of life. We are excited to partner with the Tobacco Quitline so that we can try and help our communities be as happy and healthy as possible," he said.
Tobacco Quitline representatives will also be on hand to aid community members wishing to enroll in the program's free tobacco cessation services.
Smith said he expects another record year for Marketplace enrollment in West Virginia, especially with the tightening of rules around West Virginia Medicaid in the last several months. Now that the pandemic is over, more than 100,000 people in the state have lost Medicaid eligibility, but Smith said many are eligible for subsidized Marketplace insurance.
Four in five people that get a plan on the Marketplace can qualify for plans starting at under $10 a month, the release said.
For Jan. 1 coverage, sign-up must be completed by Dec 15. Open Enrollment will completely end on Jan 15. People who already have a plan and need to re-enroll are encouraged to double-check the network and prescription drug coverage for any changes and update their information in case they qualify for additional cost savings.
The West Virginia Navigator program is available for free in-person or telephone assistance by calling 1-844-WV-CARES or visiting www.ACANavigator.com.
More information about the West Virginia Tobacco Quitline can be found at www.wvtobaccoquitline.com.