Deb Polun, MA

Senior Director for Policy & Outreach

On Thursday of this week, Open Enrollment begins for Access Health CT health plans for 2019. Open Enrollment will go from November 1^st through December 15^th. CHCACT is pleased to partner once again with Access Health CT and all of our state’s health centers, to help promote Open Enrollment and resolve issues as needed.

Although there is still discussion at the federal level around the Affordable Care Act, it is important to realize that most of the law is still in place. People can still purchase health insurance through Access Health CT, and they can still receive financial assistance from the federal government if they qualify (based on income and household size). The plans sold must still cover 10 essential health benefits, including maternity care, pediatrics, prescription drugs, and preventive services. People can get a free wellness visit each year, as well as free screenings, as appropriate, like mammograms and colonoscopies.

The big change for 2019 is that there will no longer be a fine for not having health insurance – this fine was reduced to $0 in the tax package passed last year but is only going into effect in January. This means that people may feel like they don’t need to buy health insurance. However, we know it’s best to have health insurance – even if you are not sick! – because of the availability of wellness checks, and just in case you do get sick, have an accident or develop a chronic disease. You can compare plans on Access Health CT today – and enter in some general information about your family’s health care needs to learn about which plan(s) might be best for you. (Hint: it’s not always the cheapest plan).

 CHCACT’s biweekly “Coffee & EnRolls” conference calls with the health centers’ Certified Application Counselors will resume next week – more details to follow! In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about Open Enrollment!

Deb