By Dr. Broderick Rhyant, Chief Physician Executive, Eskenazi Health Center Forest Manor
Individuals who are in need of health insurance or are interested in finding a better option for themselves and their families, may take advantage of a Special Open Enrollment period for 2021 that is currently under way.
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.
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) that began on February 15, and will continue through Saturday, May 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 period of time 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 forced many Americans to lose their health care coverage and with the expert assistance from Eskenazi Health financial counselors, everyone may receive the very best health care insurance expertise and advice during this limited Special Enrollment Period.
