As part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most U.S. citizens were required to have health insurance beginning in 2014. Beginning this year, 2015, there is a penalty for not having health insurance if you are not excluded for a particular reason. This penalty will be $325 per adult, $162.40 per child — up to $975 per family or 2 percent of income, whichever is higher. And without insurance, you will be financially responsible for all of your medical costs.

Natchez Community Hospital and Natchez Regional Medical Center are once again providing a free public seminar to help answer any questions you may have regarding insurance through the marketplace. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, we will have certified application counselors, as well as insurance professionals who can help you with the enrollment process. We will be at the center court of the Natchez Mall, and it costs absolutely nothing to take advantage of the wealth of information that will be given to you concerning the insurance marketplace. And please remember, the deadline for enrolling is Feb. 15, so time is of the essence.

The federal government has announced for those consumers who are already enrolled in a Marketplace plan in 2014 will have an automatic enrollment option to select the same health plan coverage in 2015. Of course, these individuals and families have the option to shop for other coverage choices, as well, and we can also assist with this process.

Please know that you cannot be excluded from coverage for any preexisting condition.

And, equally important, parents can cover their children up to age 26 on their insurance plan. In addition to preexisting conditions, all qualified health plans must offer:  ambulatory patient services; hospitalization and emergency services; maternity and newborn care; mental health and substance use disorder; prescription drugs; lab services; preventative and wellness services; chronic disease management and pediatric services, including dental and vision care. Of course, you have to meet your deductible before insurance pays.

Qualified plans even cover many preventive care screenings, test and services such as vaccinations that can help adults and children stay healthy. And the best news is, they are free — no copays or deductibles.

Under the Health Insurance Marketplace plans, there are four levels of qualified health plans: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. Each category ahs a different monthly premium costs, as well as deductible.

If you cannot afford health insurance, the federal government can assist individuals and families with their premiums costs by providing subsidies to those who quality based on their income. We can offer assistance and information on this as well.

As a service to our community, we can help uninsured residents review coverage options on the Health Insurance marketplace, or answer any specific questions that you may have regarding your personal situation. Please come Thursday to hear your options.

 

Melanie Griffith is financial counselor and certified application counselor for Natchez Community Hospital.