Northwest Health System helps consumers sign up for health plan

Northwest Health is helping local residents learn about and enroll in the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace. As part of the Affordable Care Act, most U.S. citizens are required to have health insurance beginning in 2014. During the first enrollment wave, which began in October of 2013 and ended in March of this year, nearly 10 million uninsured individuals enrolled in a Marketplace plan. Yet, approximately 30 million Americans remain uninsured.
 
“As a primary health provider in Northwest Arkansas, we want to help educate residents in an easy-to-understand way, as well as assist those who haven’t  yet signed up for health insurance or Medicaid, if qualified,” said Sharif Omar, CEO, Northwest Health System. “During the next few months, we’ll be going out in to the community to educate consumers, hosting in-hospital events, and meeting one-on-one to help these individuals find affordable coverage for themselves and their family.”


The Health Insurance Marketplace provides U.S. citizens access to health insurance coverage. Depending on household income, some individuals may qualify for financial assistance from the government – or subsidies – towards the cost of the premium and other financial obligations like co-pays or deductibles.
 
All health plans on the Marketplace must offer a comprehensive set of benefits, and individuals cannot be denied coverage based on a pre-existing condition. Some of the health benefits include preventive care and wellness services, doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital and emergency department care, lab services, pediatric services – and more.

Driscoll said those who haven’t secured health insurance in 2015 maybe subject to a penalty ($325 per adult and $162.50 per child). 

“This is where Northwest Health System can help,” said Omar. “With many people in our community lacking access to a computer or having difficulty enrolling on the government’s website, our application counselors can help. We can assist individuals and their families evaluate the health plan options and determine if they are eligible for Medicaid or other financial assistance.”
 
In all states, Medicaid provides health coverage for some low-income people, families and children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities. In some states, the program covers all low-income adults below a certain income level.


Arkansas has chosen to expand Medicaid coverage. This expansion increases the eligibility limits for adults to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (equivalent to an annual income of $16,105 per year for one person; $32,913 for a family of four in 2015). However, citizens must enroll in the program; it’s not automatic.

Though a major function of www.healthcare.gov is assessing whether individuals and families qualify for financial help to lower the cost of health insurance, Northwest Health System’s application counselors can perform the same analysis and help with the sign-up process. To make an appointment to meet with an application counselor, call Northwest Health at the following numbers:

479-553-4551 -Bentonville;
479-757-3101  Springdale; or
479-684-3069 –Willow Creek Women’s Hospital.