All posts tagged Health Insurance

Co-Pays, Deductibles, and Essential Services – Oh My!!


Are you new to the health insurance system?

Did you recently change plans and are a little apprehensive about using your coverage?

Does the phrase “essential services” mean anything to you?

If you answered yes to the first two questions and are a little fuzzy on the third one, this post is for you! Don’t be embarrassed to admit that the health insurance is a bit confusing.  You are not alone! Think of it as learning a new language and remember the more you use it, the more familiar you will become with it!

On the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) site, learn about the benefits to health insurance:

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, health insurance companies and group health plans are required to provide you with an easy-to-understand summary about a health plan’s benefits and coverage…. The Summary of Benefits and Coverage is designed to help you better understand and evaluate your health insurance options.

Also on this site, you can learn about co-pays and deductibles! If your insurance provider offers education on the ins and out of using your insurance coverage, try to attend their workshop or read their materials. These are usually effective ways to help you get the most out of your health benefits.

Now let’s get started using your health insurance plan. Here are some helpful actions you can take:

  • Find a doctor who accepts your plan.
  • Figure out which health screenings, immunizations or essential services you are in need of. To do this, search the complete list provided on the website of HHS’s Office of Women’s Health.
  • Make the appointment! Ask if you will need to fast or not eat prior to the visit.
  • Inquire about your co-pay or deductible.
  • Write down your questions for your provider before showing up to the waiting room at the doctor’s office. The newness and nervousness may cause you to forget.
  • If this is a provider you’ve never seen before, be sure you take any prescriptions with you that you currently take.
  • Remember to take your new insurance cards!
  • Don’t be a “no show.” Visiting the doctor for the first time in a long time can be scary, but it is a vital step to take on the road to good health. Set the alarm on your cell phone to help remind you!
  • Arrive early, first visits generally require the completion of paperwork.
  • Remember you are your best advocate. If you are confused by something that came up during your visit or in the statement you received in the mail following the visit, contact your provider or insurance provider.

If you haven’t signed up yet, click this link to see if you qualify to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.

And remember insurance coverage is not a privilege, it is a right! Take care of yourself. The world needs you!!

by marilynwho on March 19, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Women's Health Outreach
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Posted by marilynwho on March 19, 2015

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2015/03/19/co-pays-deductibles-and-essential-services-oh-my/

Don’t forget to enroll by February 15th!


Since last November, thousands have been enrolling in health coverage for 2015. Don’t miss your chance to sign up for a health plan through Washington HealthPlanFinder. Enrollment ends on February 15th!

Visit Washington HealthPlanFinder to learn more about your options and to enroll in a plan. And if you’d like help signing up for coverage, reach out to a Navigator who can walk you through the steps of signing up.

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by ywcakatie on January 26, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in BABES Network, Community Mental Health, Health Care Access, Healthy Birth Outcomes, Women's Health Outreach
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Posted by ywcakatie on January 26, 2015

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2015/01/26/dont-forget-to-enroll-by-february-15th/

Enrolling in health insurance for 2015


Open Enrollment is on its way! Starting on Saturday, November 15th, we’ll be able to apply for, renew, or change our health insurance plans through the Washington state Health Benefit Exchange. This year, enrollment runs from November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

  • November 15, 2014. This is your first day to apply for, keep, or change your coverage.
  • December 15, 2014. Enroll by the 15th if you want new coverage that begins on January 1, 2015. If your plan is changing or you want to change plans, enroll by December 15th to avoid a lapse in coverage.
  • December 31, 2014. The day all 2014 Marketplace [also known as Health Benefit Exchange] coverage ends, no matter when you enrolled. Coverage for 2015 plans can start as soon as January 1st.
  • February 15, 2015. The last day you can enroll in 2015 coverage before the end of Open Enrollment.

There will be double the number of plans available for 2015 coverage as there were for 2014 – so make sure to take some time to review the plans to find the best one for you and your family. If you signed up for a 2014 plan through the Exchange, you will most likely be eligible to automatically renew for 2015. However, it’s possible that your plan may be one of the few not available for 2015 – so best to double-check. Regardless of which plan you chose in 2014, you will be able to update your application and shop for new plan options.

If you want coverage from a new plan to start January 1, 2015, be sure to enroll by December 23, 2014, at 4:59pm. Also, keep an eye out for “Open Enrollment Renewal” notices from Washington HealthPlanFinder – this letter will give you more information about 2015 coverage, the renewal process, and any steps you might need to take.

Don’t forget that, if you’re eligible, you can enroll in Washington Apple Health (Medicaid) throughout the year. There is no enrollment period for this health coverage. If you are enrolled in Apple Health now, you will receive a notice 60 days before the month you enrolled or renewed your coverage last year.

If you would like any assistance at all during the enrollment period, please reach out to a certified Navigator in your area. You can do a search here. Navigators will assist you at no cost to you, and they are committed to helping you find, compare, and select a health plan that’s best for you and your family.

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by ywcakatie on October 31, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Health Care Access
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Posted by ywcakatie on October 31, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/enrolling-in-health-insurance-for-2015/

Medicare: Preparing for 65


At YWCA Health Access, we believe that access to health care is a right, and that an important component of health care access is having coverage.

Across the country and in Washington state, the number of people 65 and over is growing. The 65+ population in Washington is expected to be 13.9 next year, and is expected to rise to 18.1 by 2030. As our population ages, it becomes more and more important that seniors understand the services available to them and know how to access them. Most people 65 and older have at least one medical health condition – like diabetes or high blood pressure – so it becomes especially important to receive regular health care to stay on top of these chronic conditions.

MyLocalHealthGuide.com recently published information on Medicare and what is important to know as you approach age 65. Below are some key pieces of information about Medicare. Read the full, original article here, and pass on the information to others in your life who may benefit.

Remembering the difference among Medicare plans can be difficult. Here are the different options available.

  • Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is a federal insurance program that offers basic coverage for hospital care and medical expenses and no coverage for prescriptions. Beneficiaries typically must pay a premium for Part B coverage. Many find they need additional coverage for services not covered by Original Medicare.
  • Medicare Supplement plans pay some of the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, including deductibles and coinsurance. Beneficiaries must pay an additional premium.
  • A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), or Medicare Part D, provides prescription drug coverage, helps lower prescription drug expenses and protects against higher costs in the future. Beneficiaries must pay an additional premium.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) typically provides extra benefits, services and often prescription drug coverage. Beneficiaries may or may not pay an additional premium.

Did you know there are certain times when you can enroll in Medicare plans? To get coverage starting in 2015, seniors must review plan options and enroll during the window October 15-December 7, 2014. But if you are turning 65 before October, you’re able to enroll earlier in the year. There’s a special Initial Enrollment Period when you can enroll: this window includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months following.

For more information about Medicare, how to enroll and other considerations, check out these resources:

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by ywcakatie on August 29, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Health Care Access, Women's Health Outreach
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Posted by ywcakatie on August 29, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/08/29/medicare-preparing-for-65/

Can I sign up for health coverage before Open Enrollment starts?


In Washington, Open Enrollment for people to sign up for health insurance in 2015 is scheduled for November 15, 2014 – February 15, 2015. This means that most people in Washington state aren’t able to sign up for health insurance until mid-November, and coverage won’t begin until January 1, 2015.

However, if you are eligible, you are able to enroll in Medicaid at any time. Medicaid is health coverage for individuals and families with low incomes. For example, if your income is $16,105 or less for a household of one person or if the household income for a family of four is $32,913 or less – you are likely eligible for Medicaid. Visit this page to learn more about Medicaid, how to apply, and how to renew coverage.

If you think you might be eligible for Medicaid, visit the Washington HealthPlanFinder page to check your eligibility and to apply. You’ll need your household monthly income, you and all household members’ Social Security numbers, and your immigration information, if that applies to you.

During this time that Open Enrollment is closed, it may still be possible to enroll in health coverage through Washington HealthPlanFinder – if you have a qualifying life event or a complex situation related to applying in the Marketplace. A qualifying life event includes if you’ve recently moved to Washington, if you have had certain changes in your income, if your household size changes – like if you marry, divorce, or have a baby – or if your citizenship status changed.

You may also be able to apply for insurance through the Marketplace due to a complex situation. For a list of qualifying complex situations, click here. Examples include if a serious medical condition kept you from enrolling during Open Enrollment in 2013-2014, if there were a system error related to immigration status when you were trying to enroll online, or if you’re a victim of domestic abuse and weren’t previously allowed to enroll and receive advance payments of the premium tax credit separately from your spouse.

Learn more about Washington state-specific information on special enrollment. And to get help enrolling in health coverage through the Marketplace, learn more about certified in-person assisters and contact an organization with in-person assisters in your area, ready to support you. You’re even welcome to reach out to the YWCA’s Outreach & Enrollment Specialist, Hodo Hussein. She may be enrolling community members at a site near you! Email Hodo at hhussein@ywcaworks.org or call at 206.436.8674.

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by ywcakatie on August 13, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Health Care Access
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Posted by ywcakatie on August 13, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/can-i-sign-up-for-health-coverage-before-open-enrollment-starts/

You have insurance, now what?


Open enrollment through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange has come to a close, and lots of people living in WA have health insurance for the first time.

Enrolling in health coverage was the first step! Now – how do we learn about how to use our health insurance to help us stay healthy?

Public Health – Seattle & King County’s most recent blog post shares tips on how to use your insurance, now that you have it. Read more below!

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by ywcakatie on April 8, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in BABES Network, Community Mental Health, Health Care Access, Healthy Birth Outcomes, Women's Health Outreach
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Posted by ywcakatie on April 8, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/04/08/you-have-insurance-now-what/

Signing up for Health Insurance this Month


You may have heard: March 31st is the last day to purchase health insurance through the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange in 2014.

We’ll still be able to enroll in WA Apple Health (Medicaid) after March 31st or sign up for private insurance through the Exchange if you have a qualifying event like moving to Washington from another state, certain changes in your income, or changes in your family size – like if you get married, divorced, or have a baby.

But for a lot of people, it’s important to get signed up for health insurance this month – so you don’t have to wait until the fall for the open enrollment period to begin again.

The YWCA’s Health Care Access team will be hosting and participating in enrollment events in Seattle and White Center. If you or a family member hasn’t signed up for insurance yet, please visit us at one of these events!

Thurs, March 6 @ 9-12: Belltown CSO (DSHS), 2106 Second Avenue
Tues, March 11 @ 9-5: YWCA Greenbridge, 9720 Eighth Avenue SW
Thurs, March 13 @ 9-12: Belltown CSO (DSHS), 2106 Second Avenue
Fri, March 14 @ 9-5: Capitol Hill CSO (DSHS), 1700 E. Cherry Street
Sat, March 15 @ 10-2: Miller Community Center (Urban League), 330 19th Avenue E
Tues, March 18 @ 9-5: YWCA Greenbridge, 9720 Eighth Avenue SW
Thurs, March 20 @ 9-12: Belltown CSO (DSHS), 2106 Second Avenue
Fri, March 21 @ 9-5: Capitol Hill CSO (DSHS), 1700 E. Cherry Street
Sat, March 22 @ 10-3: Rainier Community Center (Financial Resource Day), 4600 38th Ave S
Tues, March 25 @ 9-5: YWCA Greenbridge, 9720 Eighth Avenue SW
Thurs, March 27 @ 9-12: Belltown CSO (DSHS), 2106 Second Avenue
Fri, March 28 @ 9-5: Capitol Hill CSO (DSHS), 1700 E. Cherry Street

You can also access other enrollment events across King County at the Public Health website.

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by ywcakatie on March 5, 2014  •  Permalink
Posted in Health Care Access
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Posted by ywcakatie on March 5, 2014

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2014/03/05/signing-up-for-health-insurance-this-month/

Text to Enroll


Public Health – Seattle & King County has established a new texting service to help us know when and where upcoming health insurance enrollment events are taking place. This means – no more online searches, no more calling around to find out how to talk to an in-person assister or broker.

Now, all you have to do is text King + a ZIP code to 468311.  For example, text “KING 98101” to 468311. This new text messaging program will send information about upcoming health insurance enrollment events customized to that ZIP code. OR – keep checking in with our blog to find out about where YWCA in-person assisters will be enrolling community members in coverage. Either way, you have lots of ways to stay connected and informed!

The texting service will also let you know how to sign up for insurance online and via phone. To learn more about the texting program, click here.

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by ywcakatie on December 12, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Health Care Access
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Posted by ywcakatie on December 12, 2013

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/text-to-enroll/

Get Covered!


December is a super busy month for many of us – spending time with family for the holidays, taking care of some last minute shopping, wrapping things up at work for the end of the year – all to get ready for 2014. Don’t forget that the new insurance plans offered through the Washington Health Exchange start on January 1st, 2014 if you get your enrollment taken care of by mid-December 2013! If you can’t enroll by mid-December, don’t worry. If you enroll in late December, your coverage will begin on February 1st.

Let the YWCA and other organizations in King County help you sign up for health insurance. See us at one of the following enrollment events in Seattle.

YWCA Staff will be at these following events:
Tuesday 12/3 @ 1-5: Downtown Public Library
Friday 12/6 @ 9-1: WorkSource Downtown
Tuesday 12/10 @ 1-5: Downtown Public Library
Thursday 12/19 @ 9-12:30: Mary’s Place (homeless women only)
Friday 12/20 @ 9-1: WorkSource Downtown

December enrollment events at public libraries that other organizations will be attending to help you enroll in coverage: 
Wednesdays (4, 11, 18) @ 2-7pm: Northgate (10548 Fifth Ave NE)
Thursdays (5, 12, 19, 26) @ 2-6pm: Douglas Truth (2300 E. Yesler Way)
Saturdays (7, 14, 21) @ 11-2: Highpoint (3411 SW Raymond St)
Sunday 12/1 @ 1-5: Broadview (12755 Greenwood Ave N)
Wednesday 12/11 @ 11-3: Delridge (5426 Delridge Way SW)
Thursday 12/12 @ 4-8pm: Columbia City  (4721 Rainier Ave S)

You can also access other enrollment events across King County at the Public Health website.

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by ywcakatie on December 2, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Health Care Access
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Posted by ywcakatie on December 2, 2013

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/get-covered/

Join us @ an upcoming Health Insurance Enrollment Event!


Have you been thinking about signing up for health insurance through Washington’s Healthplanfinder? Confused by the process? Have questions about your options?

YWCA Health Care Access offers navigation and enrollment support to King County community members and will be attending upcoming enrollment events to offer our assistance. Join the YWCA at one of the events listed below! We’ll be there to answer your questions and help you walk through the enrollment process.

Tuesday 11/5 @ 1-5pm – Downtown Seattle Public Library – 1000 4th Ave., Seattle

Wednesday 11/6 @ 1-5pm – Renton Public Library – 2531 Rainier Ave. S, Renton

Wednesday 11/6 @ 3-7pm – Valley View Library – 17850 Military Rd. S, SeaTac

Saturday 11/9 @ 10-2pm – Wildrose Tavern – 1021 E. Pike St., Seattle (Also at this event will be mammogram screenings – for more information, contact Ingrid Berkhout at 206.461.4493.)

Tuesday 11/12 @ 1-5pm – Downtown Seattle Public Library – 1000 4th Ave., Seattle

Saturday 11/16 @ 10-12pm – First AME Church (in partnership with AARTH) – 1522 14th Ave., Seattle

Tuesday 11/19 @ 1-5pm – Downtown Seattle Public Library – 1000 4th Ave., Seattle

Saturday 11/23 @ 12-4pm – Valley View Library – 17850 Military Rd. S, SeaTac

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by ywcakatie on November 4, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Health Care Access
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Posted by ywcakatie on November 4, 2013

https://healthaccessywca.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/join-us-an-upcoming-health-insurance-enrollment-event/

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