Two health insurance companies, Molina and Ambetter are providing coverage through the Affordable Care Act for Mississippians next year according to State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. He says nearly 100,000 people in the state have enrolled for health insurance through the ACA. Chaney says be sure to check to see if your doctor is in the insurance company’s network of providers.
“So you want to be certain that you pick a plan that will cover your doctor and the drugs that you may be taking. In other words, if you’re taking a drug for diabetes like Metformin you would want to be certain that it is covered,” said Chaney.
Chaney says people will need their social security number and income information to enroll at healthcare.gov. He says just follow the steps outlined on the website. Maria Morris is with the Community Health Center Association of Mississippi. She says they’ll help people sign-up even if they don't want to go to one of their health centers because of coronavirus concerns.
“They do not have to come in. We have means of securing the documentation and the signatures that we need to complete an application without you actually coming into the office,” said Morris.
Morris says they see patients who wait too long before seeking medical care. She tells people not to assume they may not qualify for health insurance through the ACA.
“We would like for them to come in for care and education in order to prevent some of the illnesses they have to keep them from getting so advanced and more traumatic as it relates to treatment and more costly,” said Morris.
Morris encourages business owners to check to see if they qualify for health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace also. Tax credits can reduce the cost of premiums. Coverage takes effect January 1, for those who meet the December 15, deadline.
Those who miss the December 15, deadline can still enroll until January 15. Coverage will begin February 1. Maria Morris added Mississippians can also enroll in the Affordable Care Act when there is a change such as a divorce, birth of a child, an adoption or change in income.
