Get Ready to Get Covered!

on in Health

Four million Latinos have purchased health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) since the law’s implementation. Join them by signing up for health coverage so you, too, can get quality affordable health coverage.

IMG_1169This Sunday, November 1 is the start of the third ACA open enrollment period. Sign up for coverage by January 31, 2016 by calling 1-800-318-2596 or visiting www.healthcare.gov or www.cuidadodesalud.gov. Whether you are renewing coverage or getting health insurance for the first time, take the time now to learn about your options and the financial help that may be available.

Here’s how you can get ready to get covered:

  1. Understand your options and choose the health plan that best meets your needs. Check out the benefits and costs of available plans at healthcare.gov or www.cuidadodesalud.gov. You can also find out if you and your children are eligible for free or low-cost coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
  1. Gather key documents and information before you apply. Several documents—such as a permanent resident card (or green card), a reentry permit or an employment authorization card—can be used to prove immigration status on the health application.
  1. Determine who in your household is applying for coverage. Have information ready for each person, including everyone’s home and mailing addresses. Make a general estimate of your income for the coming year to get an idea of the savings for which you might qualify.
  1. Get one-on-one help. Free local, in-person assistance is available to answer your questions and help you enroll in a health plan. To find out where you can get assistance in your area, call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov.
  1. If you do not have an eligible immigration status and do not qualify for coverage, you can apply on behalf of your eligible dependents. An ineligible parent, for example, can apply on behalf of an eligible child.

Enroll in a health plan by January 31, 2016. Share this information with your family and friends and encourage them to get covered, too! Be prepared and understand your options so you can find the best health care plan for you and your loved ones.

For more information, please visit www.nclr.org/issues/Health/coverage-and-care. NCLR will continue bringing you news and updates on getting covered.

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