When Mike Jewell arrived at MetroHealth’s insurance enrollment fair in mid-October, he was feeling uncertain. As a retired teacher, he and his wife have been using the federal Affordable Care Act marketplace for five years. Each fall, Jewell looks to find a new health insurance plan to keep his premiums manageable while making sure they have necessary services. It’s a task he finds “profoundly confusing.”
This year, he felt even more anxious. The news warned that tax credits might expire, and most premiums were set to rise. After enrollment opened on November 1, Jewell was faced with 194 plans to consider. He feared their monthly premium would jump from zero to between $400 and $500.
However, he walked away from the fair with a plan costing just $175 a month—something he described as “too shockingly good to pass up.” Jewell was pleasantly surprised by the help he received from the insurance agent at the event. He had never used an agent before and was skeptical about their intentions. He found that the agent answered his questions about health savings accounts and in-network hospitals quickly.
“Usually, it would have taken me hours online, and I still might not have the right answers,” Jewell shared. “Now I have a professional helping me for free.”
Across Cuyahoga County, other residents can get help like Jewell did. Nonprofits offer free, expert guidance on navigating the ACA marketplace. While some agents earn commissions from insurance companies, others—like “assisters” or certified application counselors—provide advice at no cost, often as volunteers.
Charlotte Rudolph, Executive Director of UHCAN Ohio, suggests residents seize this opportunity for free assistance, especially with insurance costs expected to rise. “Our advice is to explore your options early,” Rudolph said. With uncertainty around whether the tax credits will be extended, being informed is crucial.
For those in Cuyahoga County, organizations like Neighborhood Family Practice and UHCAN Ohio provide certified counselors to help consumers. These counselors are trained to offer unbiased information and can even help with Medicaid applications.
The federal government recently cut funding for these programs by 90%, relying heavily on volunteers now. Despite this, many former workers have returned to help, but more hands are always welcome.
Residents can reach UHCAN Ohio at 614-505-9460 for assistance in multiple languages, including Somali, Nepali, and Arabic.
People can also get personalized help from licensed insurance agents. While agents are often tied to specific companies, brokers like Elyse Robinson can offer a variety of plans available on Ohio’s marketplace. Robinson asks about clients’ medical needs and preferences, ensuring they find the best match for them.
“We walk through their medications and doctors, helping them keep costs low where possible,” Robinson explained. While counselors provide information, agents and brokers can make tailored recommendations based on individual circumstances.
Be Informed to Avoid High Costs
Residents currently enrolled in a marketplace plan should be proactive to avoid any surprises with increasing premiums. It’s essential to keep your contact information updated with the marketplace and opt out of automatic re-enrollment, which could lock you into a plan without reviewing your options.
“We want people to make informed decisions for themselves,” Rudolph cautioned, urging residents to take control of their health insurance choices.
Whether through experts or self-research, navigating the health insurance landscape is crucial. With the potential changes ahead, being prepared can save you money and provide peace of mind.
For more information on local insurance assistance, check out this link.
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