By Dr. Broderick Rhyant, Chief Physician Executive, Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor
The annual open enrollment period has begun so now is the time for Central Indiana residents to visit the marketplace to sign up for health insurance. Those looking for information regarding this often confusing landscape should consider visiting an Eskenazi Health financial counselor for the very best advice.
Open enrollment in the marketplace ends on Dec. 15, and with health insurance being more expensive than ever, utilizing the knowledge of Eskenazi Health counselors can save you money and ensure that you and your family have the best coverage available. Those who meet with Eskenazi Health counselors are under no obligation to follow their advice.
Securing your health insurance plan now is vitally important because outside of the open enrollment period, generally enrolling in a health insurance plan can only be done if a person qualifies for a special enrollment period exception such as a certain life event (marriage, a birth of a child or change in health insurance coverage).
For most everyone signing up during the open enrollment window in the fall of 2020, health care coverage will take effect January 1, 2021. If you’re currently uninsured, it’s important to understand that you could have to wait up to two months from the time you enroll until the time your new plan takes effect, since open enrollment starts a full two months before the start of 2021. If you’re in that situation and fairly healthy, a short-term medical plan can bridge the gap for you.
To provide the safest environment for our patients during the ongoing pandemic, highly experienced and knowledgeable Eskenazi Health navigators will be meeting 1:1 with patients both in-person while using social distancing guidelines, and virtually.
During the open enrollment period, Eskenazi Health will be offering extended Financial Counseling services at:
•Eskenazi Health Center West 38th Street
Mon. – Thurs.: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
•Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital
Mon. – Thurs.: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
•Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor
Mon. – Wed.: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Additionally, Eskenazi Health financial counselors will be available for telehealth appointments. Those can be scheduled through MyChart, which can be accessed at EskenaziHealth.edu. Appointments can also be made by calling 855.202.1052.
The health insurance marketplace is designed to provide uninsured Hoosiers with access to plans being made available. More information about the marketplace is available at www.healthcare.gov/.
If you are ill with flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, please call your health center or clinic before coming to your appointment. The Indiana State Department of Health call center for health care providers and members of the public who have concerns about COVID-19 is staffed 24 hours a day at 317.233.7125.
