Beginning October 1, 2013, individuals across the entire county will be able to sign up for new health insurance options under an open enrollment program made available by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare as it is frequently referred to. Coverage begins as early as January 1, 2014. The new Health Insurance Marketplace will offer different types of health plans to meet a variety of budgets and coverage needs for persons seeking health insurance without the benefit of an employer sponsored plan. This is especially important to persons and families affected by changes in the 2014 State of Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus eligibility allowances. Most significantly, the BadgerCare Plus Basic program is ending on December 31. Enrollees who no longer qualify for this program are encouraged to apply for private health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
If you are on BadgerCare, Medicaid or uninsured, important changes are happening to your coverage beginning January 2014. Beginning the week of September 23, the state of Wisconsin will be sending letters to those affected by the changes. It is important that you read the letter carefully and follow the instructions to ensure there is no lap in healthcare coverage. Beginning on October 1, 2013, the Health Insurance Marketplace will begin open enrollment and you will need to take action to enroll in one of the healthcare plans in order to continue coverage for 2014.
View one of our videos for more information on the MarketPlace:
Insurance Terminology 101
MarketPlace Basics
MarketPlace Insurance Plans
Get answers and learn about plan options that will give you and your family the right healthcare coverage:
• Call the Health Insurance Marketplace at 800-318-2596 or
• Visit www.healthcare.gov.
Please note that pricing for specific plans will not be available until October 1.
You may also contact a Patient Financial Counselor for additional information:
Watertown Regional Medical Center - 920-262-4396
Fort Healthcare - 920-568-4443
Southern Consortium, Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus - 1-888-794-5780
Espanol - 1-800-362-3002 Option 7