CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System Offers Free Assistance with Health Insurance Enrollment
Dec. 3, 2015 – All of us worry about the health of those we love. But no one should have to worry about not being able to pay for health insurance. It’s time for a new approach to taking care of your family’s health, and this year there are even more assistance options available to area residents.
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System provides Certified Application Counselors to help guide participants through the health insurance exchange enrollment process and determine if they qualify for tax credits or insurance premium assistance. Whether you are enrolled already or need help enrolling, the certified application counselors can help you shop and compare plans side by side and determine if an individual qualifies for financial assistance that lowers costs even more. To determine qualification for premium assistance, participants must bring a pay stub from 2015 or a 2014 Tax Return. Persons who are not U.S. citizens must provide proof of legal residence. ArkLaTex Council of Governments Agency (ATCOG) is offering a Premium Support Program with grant funding provided by CHRISTUS St. Michael. The program is designed to help families and individuals pay their out of pocket expense for healthcare coverage. Individuals who qualify can have their premiums (the amount of money charged for insurance coverage) covered through the Premium Support Program. To qualify for Premium Support, applicants must enroll through the Health Insurance Exchange (HIX) and choose a “Silver” Plan. In addition, applicants must also have an income between 100%-150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines and be a Texas resident to be eligible for the Premium Support program. Arkansas residents who meet the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines do not qualify for Premium Support because their premium costs are already covered through the Arkansas expansion of Medicaid, also referred to as the private option. “Residents from our region need to remember the deadline for enrollment in an insurance plan is Jan. 31, 2016, to avoid tax penalties that will occur for those who do not enroll,” said Jim Pomeroy, CHRISTUS St. Michael Vice President of Mission Integration. “Our goal is to empower people from our area with the knowledge to make informed health insurance decisions in line with America’s health care law, the Affordable Care Act,” he explained. “Certified Application Counselors are available to educate uninsured or underinsured individuals and families about affordable healthcare coverage, help them enroll or re-enroll, and help them determine if they qualify for premium assistance.” “Benefits of the new health insurance options include less financial exposure for families because hospitalization and emergency services are covered,” Francine Francis, CHRISTUS St. Michael Director of Marketing and Communications, explained. “Plans include doctor and clinic visits, emergency care, hospitalization, maternity, and newborn care as well as pediatric services. Health insurance provides individuals and families reassurance that they can get the care they need when they need it.” For more information on health insurance options or to make an appointment, call 1-877445-1234 or go online to christusstmichael.org/getinsured.
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