Some may not be aware that a Special Open Enrollment period for 2021 health insurance plans kicked off in February providing the opportunity for those needing insurance or wanting to explore the health insurance landscape for a better deal, the opportunity to do exactly that for a limited time.
In accordance with an Executive Order signed by the President, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced that this Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for the Health Insurance Marketplace would officially be available to consumers in the 36 states that use the HealthCare.gov platform (which includes Indiana) beginning on February 15, and will continue through Saturday, May 15. At least 13 states plus the District of Columbia, which operate their own Marketplace platforms, have decided to offer a similar opportunity.
In the recent past, there has only been one open enrollment period each year and after that everyone is locked out unless there is a life changing event. In 2020, the open enrollment period took place from Nov. 1-Dec. 15.
This special opportunity is available for those who are uninsured, under-insured, or already enrolled in a plan through the Marketplace and wanting to switch to a different plan, and Eskenazi Health has a team of knowledgeable and highly-trained financial counselors ready to help secure the best health insurance policy for you and yours.
This invaluable current opportunity to enter the Marketplace will also help people who lost their jobs and health insurance benefits perhaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and those that have too large of an income for Medicare/Medicaid.
To provide the safest environment for everyone during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, highly experienced and knowledgeable Eskenazi Health navigators will be meeting by appointment only 1:1 with patients both in-person while using social distancing guidelines, and virtually.
During this open enrollment period, Eskenazi Health will provide Financial Counseling services at:
• Eskenazi Health Center West 38th Street, Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital, Mon. – Thurs.: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor, Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Virtual appointments may be scheduled through MyChart, which can be accessed at EskenaziHealth.edu. In-person and virtual appointments can also be made by calling 855-202-1053.
All plans offered in the Marketplace cover these services among others: Ambulatory patient services (outpatient care without being admitted to a hospital; emergency services; hospitalization (surgery and overnight stays), pregnancy, maternity and new born care (before and after birth; mental health and substance use disorder services, prescription drugs and rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices; and preventive and wellness services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people throughout the country, and many Americans remain uninsured or underinsured and need access to affordable health coverage. This Special Enrollment Period allows individuals and families to enroll in the specific health coverage plan they need and Eskenazi Health is ready to provide the very best health care insurance expertise and advice.
Nydia Nunez-Estrada, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Family Medicine
Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington